Puerto Princesa hosts Dragon Boat World meet

MANILA, Philippines — Thrilling dragon boat races amid a picturesque backdrop are expected as Puerto Princesa hosts the International Canoe Federation Dragon Boat World Championships from Oct. 28 to Nov. 4.

Thousands of paddlers from around the world are coming over for the weeklong event, which also serves as a qualifying competition for the World Games in Chengdu, China next year.

And the city renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes and wealth of natural, cultural, and historical treasures is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations.

“Hosting an event of this magnitude is an honor for Puerto Princesa. It presents us with a challenge that, once overcome, will pave the way for even greater endeavors in the future,” Mayor Lucilo Rodriguez Bayron said.

A high-powered delegation from the ICF led by president Thomas Konietzko himself conducted a site visit and gave the thumbs up to the preparations, lauding Puerto Princesa’s commitment to environmental preservation.

“The Philippines is proud to host this event, aiming not only for a competitive World Championships but also to provide participants with a rich cultural and natural experience,” said Konietzko.

ICF Dragon Boat Commission Chair Dr. Wai-Hung Luk shared this sentiment.

“Puerto Princesa is poised to deliver a superb ICF Dragon Boat World Championships. It’s an event not to be missed, promising unforgettable memories for all participants,”Luk said.

Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragonboat Federation (PCKDF) president Leonora Escollante expressed the country’s enthusiasm for staging the prestigious event.

“It’s a challenge to bid for the hosting rights, but the Philippines’ beauty and the warm hospitality of its people make it a preferred destination,” Escollante said.

She added that as the official national sport association for water paddle sports in the Philippines, recognized by the ICF, the Philippine Olympic Committee, and the International Olympic Committee, the PCKDF is committed to ensuring the success of the championships.

Medals will be awarded in open, women, and mixed events across several age categories and distances.