The Philippine Dragon Boat Team won 5 Gold and 3 Silver Medals in the 2011 International Dragon Boat Federation World Dragon Boat Racing Championship over the weekend in Tampa Bay, Florida. The Pinoy Dragon Warriors of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation dominated the Premier Mixed 500 meters small boat race as well as the Premier 1000 meter, Premier 200 meter mixed and men's races.
Despite the Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team's astounding success over the international paddling competition held in the Sedona Channel in downtown Tampa, the "Water Dragons" are not officially sanctioned and recognized by the Philippine government.
This IDBF Gold Medal, 5 to be exact, symbolizes the bitter irony of the Dragon Warrior's plight back home in Manila. Without any support from the Philippine government, the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation had to scrounge funds from private sponsors and donors just to attend the 10th IDBF Championship in Tampa, FL.
The exceptional performance of the Philippine Dragon Boat Team caused lawmakers in the Philippine government to probe and investigate the lack of official government sponsorship. Judging from the "Pinoy" turnout and support in Tampa during the international event, the Dragon Warriors honored their homeland with Gold Medals and worldly recognition despite financial and political drawbacks.
Meet the head coach of the Dragon Warriors, Nestor Ilagan. Local Pinoy support smothered the 2011 IDBF Racing Championship including my family. Food, beverages and gifts showered the Dragon Warriors during the race. Overwhelming is an understatement.
You can view more shot with the Canon EOS Rebel T3i/600D in my Pinoy Dragon Warriors Win Gold in 10th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championship 2011 Gallery.
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