COBRA DRAGON BOAT TEAM AIMS FOR THREE-PEAT IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 02 Aug 2011
The Cobra Philippines Dragon Boat Federation team left f or Tampa, Florida on Monday night aiming for a three-peat in the top World Championships after being crowned champions in record times in 2007 and 2009.
The team left for the US supported by a group of well-wishers from media and supporters from the public which encouraged them in their bid to defend the world title in the 10th International Dragon Boat World Championship starting Wednesday.
Training on longer distances, the Cobra-PDBF paddlers who won the men's 200-meter race in record-breaking fashion the past two world championships are looking to add the men's 500m, 1000m and mixed 500m to their medal collection.
Cobra-PDBF coach Nestor Ilagan said the team is prepared for the challenge, having trained on extended distances?rowing thrice a day from Manila Yacht Club to Manila Ocean Park?with premium on speed.
Ilagan said ``We've trained hard for this and anticipated all possible conditions at sea.?
In the 2007 world championships, the PDBF won the gold in the men's 200m in Sydney, Australia and set a world record of 42.16 seconds.
The team successfully defended its world title two years later in Prague, Czech Republic, erasing its old record and setting a new mark of 40.02 seconds. The Philippines also won the mixed division 200m in the 2009 world championships.
Standing in the PDBF's way for another shot at glory are Canada, US, Germany, China, Australia and the Czech Republic.
Ilagan conceded that ?These countries are the strong contenders for the title in both short and long distances.'' However, Ilagan is confident that the 25 champion paddlers have the edge in their discipline and determination to win; shared values that have gained the respect of stalwart supporters Cobra Energy Drink and Philippine Airlines.
Mike Ngo, Asia Brewery?s AVP for Marketing, Media and Budget who together with Philippine Airlines rescued the world champions when the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission denied them support said ``We are pleased that Cobra-PDBF now has the opportunity to win more titles, set more world records and bring more glory and honor for our country.''
Made up of unsung heroes from Philippine Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard personnel plus the best civilian women paddlers, the team has put the country in the world sporting map similar to the feats of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, Efren ``Bata'' Reyes of billiards and US bowling Hall of Famer Paeng Nepomuceno.
Ilagan added ``We're hoping to be re-affirmed as the world's best.The prayers and support from all Filipinos will inspire us to work harder and win more medals for our country.''
Some media practitioners and celebrities who continue to rally support for the Cobra-PDBF team are Santi Elizalde of MBC Radio with his team of DJs; DZRH?s Deo Macalma, Ruth Abao, Love Radio?s Papa Jack, Nicole Hyala, Chris Tsuper, Yes FM?s Maria Maldita, Robin Shena, Luke Mejares, ABS CBN News/ABSCBNnews.com?s Yvette Novenario, Studio23/ABS CBN vice president for Sports?s Peter Musngi, top sports reporter and TV host Dyan Castillejo, March Ventosa, Vince Rodriguez, Sports writer/commentator Anthony Suntay for RFAL Sports on Wave 89.1, VIVA?s Vic Del Rosario, Sports celebrity commentator Ronnie Nathanielsz and showbiz celebrity, Anne Curtis.
Catch the Cobra-PDBF Race Updates in Florida, USA daily at Studio23 during weekdays (2pm, 4pm, 6p, 8pm) and weekends (1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm) starting today until Aug. 8.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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