By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
Paoay, Ilocos Norte—Famous for its dragon boat festival, the Peoples Republic of China donated two units of dragon boats to the local government unit of Paoay in support of its growing water sports activities at the legendary Paoay Lake here.
Dragon boat race has become popular at the 87-hectare Paoay Lake Natural Park since its inception last year when the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation in partnership with the municipal government here organized the first-ever dragon boat clinic in the province to promote paddling sport to the younger generation.
With young individuals, mostly students aged nine years old and above lured into this sports program, Paoay mayor Jessie Galano said the new dragon boats donated by the Chinese government through the Chinese Consulate Center based in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte “will go a long way for the training of young athletes.”
“We are thankful for the donation of two units of dragon boats here in our municipality. We look forward to host more dragon boat competitions in the future and let the people discover the beauty of our lake as an ideal venue for water sports tourism,” said Mr. Galano as he reported that they will use the dragon boats in future dragon boat competitions in the municipality.
Wang Jianqun, consul and head of post of the Chinese Consulate officially turned over the two units to this town’s local government.
Just recently, hundreds of water sports enthusiasts joined the second invitational dragon boat tournament at the Paoay lake along Brgy. Nagbacalan.
Prior to the competition, the Philippine Canoe, Kayak and Dragon Boat Federation conducted a one-day clinic to demonstrate all necessary skills and techniques in rowing to the participants. The same group officiated the race.
A total of 20 teams joined the competition, 14 teams came from other provinces and six teams were from Ilocos Norte, mostly Paoay residents.