CEBU—The Philippines’ Dragon Boat Team, specifically the PADS Adaptive Dragon Boat Racing Team, is now participating in the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta 2025 at Straits Quay Marina, Penang, Malaysia, from November 28 to 30, 2025.
“The team consists of 54 members, including paddlers from their under-24 paradragon program. We are confident in the team’s younger and stronger lineup. We have 300 athletes in our team with 80 of them from Cebu who are actively passionate in the Dragon Boat Race,” said JP Maunes, PADS founder and CEO in an interview with Manila Standard.
Maunes said that the event features 12 international teams from countries like Brunei Darussalam, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Netherlands, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia.
The PADS team competes in four race categories and distances that include the International Junior U24 Open: 250m and 500m straight courses, Tug of War; International Junior U24 Mixed: 250m and 500m straight courses, Tug of War; International Senior 40 Open: 250m and 500m straight courses, Tug of War and International Premier Open, Women, and Mixed: 250m and 400m straight courses.
Maunes said that the team competes in various categories, including under 24, open men's, mixed standard, women's, and Masters (40+ years). The under 24 team is notable for being the first to represent the Philippines internationally, having been trained through a grassroots development program in Mandawe City. The event is significant for its inclusivity, featuring athletes of all ages and abilities.
He said that his team has shown resilience in
the Dragon Boat racing sport competitions through the years and noted the
positive impact of the sports on his athletes, igniting their desire to compete
internationally, especially for those experiencing their first such event.
“PADS paddlers are inclusive. We have a good number of persons with
disability (PWD) paddlers who have excelled in the sports and we’ve won four to
five trophies in previous international and world regattas. The motivational
power of this sport in overcoming personal and external challenges to my PWD
members are very inspiring,” he added.
Maunes said that this year’s Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta 2025 is dedicated to one of the PADS team members, Stephen, who passed away from cancer last year but competed with vigor through the years. “The team is committed to honoring his memory by giving their all in the Penang race,” he added.
Challenges facing the PADS Adaptive Dragon Boat Racing Team
In a recent media briefing, Maunes and the PADS team said that they will be participating in the Penang International Dragon Boat Race under the concept of the paradigm movement, which includes athletes with disabilities competing alongside able-bodied athletes.
They mentioned the inclusion of other adaptive Dragon Boat teams from Hong Kong, including a team of firefighters and cancer survivors, highlighting the diversity of the participating teams, including athletes from Hong Kong and the Philippines.
“The Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta 2025 is also our preparations to compete for the World Championship in Taiwan next year. The Philippines aims to win its fourth consecutive virtual mission and set a world record for the fastest team,” Maunes said.
This achievement is a significant goal, requiring intense preparation and prayers. The race in Malaysia is seen as a culmination of their productive year and a strong start to the 2025 season, PADS Coach Richard Young is set to prepare the strength and conditioning program for the athletes in preparation for these races.
PADS main concern and challenge is the logistics and financial capability of the team to compete for the races without any worry or stress. Support from the Philippine government has yet to trickle to the team, Maunes and Coach Young told this writer that most of their competitions abroad were made possible through private sector support and donations.
Maunes and the PADS Team thanked the local
government of Mandaue City that continues to provide the team with some budget
for logistics, training among others and companies like the International
Pharmaceuticals Inc. (IPI), WiseChoice Supplements, Holiday Gym & Spa Cebu,
Dubby’s Ultimate Burgers, Immuni, and Omega Pain Killer for their all-out
support to the PADS team. (Photos: MBCNewman/PADS-FB Posts)
No comments:
Post a Comment