 |
| (Image Source: Dragonboat Philippines/Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation) |
More than glory and honor, elite paddlers from all over the world, including the host Philippines, will have extra motivation to do well and excel in the 2024 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Dragon Boat World Championships scheduled to be held on October 28-November 4, 2024 in the picturesque coastal city of Puerto Princesa in Palawan. The ICF, the world governing for the sport, has sanctioned the competition organized by the Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation (PCKF) as the main qualifying meet for the 2025 World Games. The popular paddling sport will have its debut in the 12th edition of the quadrennial sportsfest for non-Olympic disciplines on August 7-17, 2025 in Chengdu, China, making the championships co-organized and backed by the Puerto Princesa City LGU led by Mayor Lucilo Bayron a must event for top global paddlers.
In a recent radio interview, PCKF President Leonora Escollante noted, “Itong world championship natin ang major qualification event for the World Games next year. Ang World Games po ay counterpart ng Olympic Games at ang mga sports na hindi nilalaro sa Olympics. This is also the first time that dragon boat racing will be played in the World Games kaya malaking bagay na napunta sa atin at sa Puerto Princesa gagawin at sampung teams o bansa ang magka-kaqualify dito sa tournament. Kapag nag-qualify ang bansa, bahala na ang association nila na pumili ng mga paddlers for the World Games sa susunod na taon.” The former national dragon boat coach said the 10 qualified teams will be based on cumulative times in the mixed team small boat or 10-seater category in the 200, 500 and 2,000-meter races to be held at the Sulu Sea overlooking the well-managed Puerto Princesa Baywalk. ICF President Thomas Konietzko gave a thumbs-up to organizers of the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships during an ocular inspection early this year of the site by an ICF delegation that included Wai-Hung Luk, ICF Dragon Boat Commission chairman, of China.
“It’s an honor for Puerto Princesa to host an event of this magnitude. This is a significant challenge for us, but once we get started and achieve success, it means that organizing and hosting larger events will become much easier for us,’’ Mayor Bayron pointed out during the ICF visit. Bayron has been a strong advocate of promoting Puerto Princesa, known as the “City In A Forest” for its diverse fauna and flora and breathtaking views, as a sustainable major sports tourism hub in the country. Under his watch, Puerto Princesa has successfully staged foot races and triathlons on top of multi-sport meets such as the Batang Pinoy National Games which will again be held in Palawan’s provincial capital in late November. Escollante praised the Mayor Bayron and the local organizing committee members in ensuring that the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships would be a memorable and historic one for both participants, Palaweños and all Filipinos, saying, “We would like to thank again Mayor Bayron for accommodating us in hosting this event in his fair city. This will give greater motivation and inspiration for our own national paddlers to perform well in front of a hometown crowd while participants from other countries will be able to sample our famed Filipino hospitality."
On the other hand, whether by coincidence or by design, the Philippines’ hosting of the ICF World Dragon Boat Championships happens to be timely as the global federation celebrates its centennial anniversary as the governing world body for the sport. In a statement, Escollante noted, “As the president of the Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation, it is both an honor and a humbling responsibility to host the ICF World Dragon Boat Championships in Puerto Princesa, especially as we celebrate the International Canoe Federation’s centennial anniversary. This milestone not only celebrates the sport’s rich legacy but also propels us into a future where dragon boat racing continues to inspire, unite, and drive positive change." She was grateful that Puerto Princesa City government under the dynamic leadership of Mayor Lucilo Bayron had given its all-out support in staging the championships that will make the Philippines the epicenter of dragon boat racing for a week, saying, “I must extend my deepest gratitude to the City of Puerto Princesa and, in particular, Mayor Lucilo Bayron, for their unwavering support and belief in this sport and in the vision of the PCKF. Mayor Bayron and his administration have been fully committed from Day One, offering 100 percent backing in terms of logistics, resources, and facilities. Their dedication to making Puerto Princesa not only a premier destination but also a key player in the world of sports has been inspiring. Together, we’ve aligned on a theme that resonates deeply — 'Paddle Together for Climate Action'. This theme highlights our shared commitment to using sports as a platform to raise awareness on the urgent need for climate action while fostering sports tourism.”
Escollante disclosed that at least 20 federations and close to 2,000 paddlers from all over the world have committed to sending teams to take part in the blue-ribbon competition that will serve as the main qualifying tournament to next year's World Games. This added incentive will ensure the success of the ICF Dragon Boat World Championships in Palawan’s scenic provincial and another feather in the cap for Mayor Bayron, who has been aggressive in promoting the “City In A Forest” as a major sports tourism destination. Escollante proudly noted, “Organizing this world-class event has been a rewarding yet challenging journey. It is heartwarming to see more than 20 federations from different countries step forward, recognizing the value of dragon boat racing and how it brings nations together in the spirit of competition and camaraderie across all age groups. Dragon boat racing is one of the most environmentally friendly water sports, perfectly suited to Puerto Princesa’s pristine waters. Hosting this event in such a beautiful, nature-rich setting underscores the connection between sports and environmental stewardship. With the combined overwhelming support from the local government and private sectors, and international sponsors, this journey has been a humbling experience. I truly believe this championships will be a lasting legacy for Puerto Princesa and a defining moment for the sport in the Philippines."
