Cougar Dragons Race @ Dragon Zone

We hit the Dragon Zone at 8:00 on Sunday morning. Everybody was excited but just a bit apprehensive. What would the first race be like? Could we paddle in time? Would we paddle deep and paddle hard?

With Justin Yee in the drummers seat and Coach Todd Wong steering, the Cougar Dragons hit the water for the first heat.



A good effort, especially as the Cougar Dragons were racing against older and more experienced teams. Re-grouping, captains Chi Hsi and Garvin Pang, encouraged the team, while Coaches Todd Wong and Mr. Mackinnon offered sage advice and refocused everyone.

Refocused and re-energized the Cougar Dragons showed their mettle and improved tremendously in the second heat. Michele Shi had taken the drummers chair and inspired the Cougar Dragons to stay focused and finish fast.
An incredible effort in the second heat gave the team the incentive they needed. After a very brief break it was on to the 'D' division final.

A fabulously exciting race from start to finish, the Cougar Dragons exceeded all of our wildest dreams, gaining 7 seconds on the previous race and placing an unbelievably close second.

Well done Killarney! We have shown what we are made of. We have practiced and been successful. Can we improve? Sure, but we can now proudly bear the honourable title of a Dragon Boat Racing team.

Congratulations Aleck Pham, Caitlin Allum, Cherry Chen, Chi Hsi, Deborah Gee, Dipa Barua, Eddy Ha, Garry Ly, Garvin Pang, Irene Peng, Jenny Tan, Jordan Lee, Jordan Wong, Justin Chow, Justin Yee, Krystal Han, Michele Shi, Sally Chan, Stanley Tsia, Taylor Yee, and Wayne Li. Thanks to Linda Chen, and all the parents who came out to support us. An extra big THANK YOU to coach Todd Wong-- without you, we wouldn't be here!

On to Alcan June 16/17.