Squamish鈥檚 Team Chawanda had a golden weekend on Vancouver Island.
The all-female 麻豆社国产Dragon Boat Association squad took home top spot in the Jade Division at the Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival, which wrapped up on July 12.
Team Chawanda competed against 30 other teams in the division and built momentum during the two-day event.
Racing for the team kicked off on July 11, and Chawanda placed second in both races to advance to the semi-final on July 12. Winds picked up on day two, which made Chawanda feel right at home, and the team won the semi-final and then the final to capture the gold.
鈥淲hile the team has brought home many medals in the past and has consistently placed in the top rungs, this is the first time we have brought home a gold medal,鈥� said team member Cathie Greenlees.
She praised the new recruits on the team and also coach Macky Sumalileng and steersman Rob Booth for their help at the event.
The next big race for the team is the Steveston Dragon Boat Festival in Richmond on Aug. 23. Team members are also hoping to participate in the Penticton Dragon Boat Festival in September.
The SDBA practises on the Cattermole Slough during Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. They are always looking for team members; for more information contact them at [email protected].
