Young dragons make a splash

After spending three years as a volunteer, a St. Patrick High School student experienced first-hand what it was like being in a Dragon Boat race.

Angelina Feletto, 15, never competed in a Dragon Boat race before. She decided this year to give it a chance and recruited a bunch of friends to try their luck. She had won her first race on Saturday and planned to win her second race in the afternoon.

As team leader for the Fire Crackers, Angelina said it was hard to get her friends together to participate in the Dragon Boat race. However, after a few days of practice, they found out they enjoyed it just as much as her, she said.

"It’s fun because it brings everyone together," Angelina said. "This weekend was really hard getting friends because there is lots going on. We all pulled together."

The Fire Crackers were one of the 18 teams that competed at the 10th annual Young Dragon Boat festival on Boulevard Lake on Saturday. Opened to students from grades 7 to 12, the races broke up into different categories such as grade or specialty groups. Each team had two weeks to practice before the competition.

"It’s a good sport and it works your abs and arms," she said. "We’re all pretty natural at it. My friends just watched each other and it was a team sport where we had to be as one. It’s surprising because its everyone’s first time."

Angelina said she wanted to continue to race and planned to compete in the adult Dragon Boat race next year.

Stephanie Feletto, Angelina’s mother, said she was proud of her daughter to organize a team together and win their first race. An experiences Dragon Boat racer herself, Feletto said Angelina always wanted to join a team and compete.

"I’m pretty proud of her," Feletto said. "She’s shown some leadership, especially by gathering all her friends together. I’m proud that she is taking full advantage of what’s being offered at our schools and in our city. Festivals like this are a great opportunity for them to develop their friendships."

Volker Kromm, commodore with Lakehead Canoe Club, said the number of teams who competed dropped by six from last year but had expected some last minute dropouts. He said competition with other May events causes children to choose between what activity to go to.

"This is a sport that is truly participation," Kromm said. "it doesn’t matter if you are an athlete or just a wannabe athlete – this is a place where you can be a team member and participate. Everyone contributes so that’s the attraction."

The Flying Dutchmen reclaimed their title for the Grade 11 to 12 catagory with a combined time of 02:48.83. They were followed 15. Superior 1 at a combined time of 02:56.04.

TBCS Royal Eagals won in the Grade 9 to 10 catogory with a combined time of 03:03.02. The Valley Central Cougars won in the Grade 7 to 8 catagory with a combined time of 03:18.28.