Dragon Boat 2007

By Colleen Dooley

          Paddles Ready!  It's time to get on board for the 2007 Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival.  FLSC outdid themselves in the 2006 festival when they knocked 17 seconds off of the previous year’s best time and moved up 2 whole divisions.  The light drizzle, throughout the day, and the minor collision that ensued did nothing to dampen the spirit of the 2006 FLSC team.

          This year’s event is slated for October 6, 2007.  The co captain and captain for this year’s race team are Kate McCullough and myself, Colleen Dooley.  Paddling on the FLSC team requires a 5 month commitment that begins in May with our initial team meeting and is followed by paddling clinics as well as team practices.  I look forward to meeting those of you dedicated to the spirit of teamwork.

          If you are interested in more information you may check out the festival’s website:  www.philadragonboatfestival.com  or you may contact me at dooleycol@comcast.net or (610) 940-0280.

          The cost for this year’s festival is $100 per person.  This includes your registration fee, team tent along the river, team shirt, water practices, and a BBQ on race day. (Thanks to Janet and Joe we were all very well fed last year!) The money is non-refundable unless you find a teammate to replace you. 

          The FLSC Dragon Boat tentative schedule is as follows:

v    April 3, 2007- Dragon boat team table sign- ups open at the FLSC general meeting

v    June 5, 2007- Dragon boat table closes for team sign-ups

v    The month of June- drummer clinics are held.  These clinics are great for learning and/or practicing your paddling technique.

v    June 13, 2007-  First team meeting and happy hour at Elephant and Castle Pub

v    July 11, 2007-  6:30 PM team practice at Boat House Row followed by happy hour

v    August 8, 2007- 6:30 PM team practice at Boat House Row followed by happy hour

v    September 8, 2007 2 PM  team practice at Boat House Row followed by happy hour

v    October 3, 2007- 7 PM team meeting at E&C

v    October 6, 2007- 7AM-4PM RACE DAY and BBQ along the Schuylkill River.

All those dedicated to team work are invited to sign up for the FLSC Dragon Boat Team beginning at the April 3^rd general meeting.  I will need 2 drummers and 20 paddlers.  At least 8 of the paddlers must be women in order for our team to qualify.