The Parkes Endeavour Dragons team took part in the inaugural Forbes Fun Day on Sunday, which was also the first regatta since the start of the pandemic.
After a COVID drought of regattas, the Parkes Dragon Boat Club (PDBC) had a great day competing in the Forbes Fun Day on Sunday.
The Parkes Endeavour Dragons joined six other clubs from the Central West to take part in the day organised by the Forbes Dragon Boat Club. The other clubs came from Dubbo, Orange (two clubs) and Bathurst.
The inaugural Forbes Fun Day included 200m races, a 100m dash for cash, the 270m Bridge to Bridge Classic and a sweeps event. The races were all very tight and provided great entertainment for onlookers. The central location of Lake Forbes proved to be great advertising for the sport of dragon boating showing people, who happened to be on the footpath around the lake or passing by, what it is all about.
“The Forbes Fun Day was an opportunity for clubs in the Central West to come together and enjoy the camaraderie that goes with friendly competition,” said newly elected PDBC president Tony Gatt.
“The Parkes Endeavour Dragons had a fantastic day and showed they have the ability to mix with the best, returning solid performances throughout the day. Our sincere thanks to Forbes for organising the event and we will reciprocate in the future.”
There were three Endeavour Dragons who had their first taste of the adrenaline rush of a regatta. Janine Hando, Jenny Ryan and Laura Miller could not stop smiling all day.
PDBC coach Beth Thomas shared her team’s excitement saying: “I’m so proud of everyone’s great efforts today. It’s all about the fun, friendship and team spirit – and today’s team had that in bucketloads. All I saw were smiles today, all day, all round!”
The Central West clubs are keen for events in the region, and PDBC is keen to promote its annual Picnic Day in May with a special challenge being planned for next year.
If you are keen to try out dragon boating, PDBC trains twice a week at Lake Endeavour: Sundays at 8:30am for 9am on the water, and Thursdays at 5:45pm for 6pm on the water. Contact 0418 253 045 for more information. Come and experience the beauty of Lake Endeavour and the excitement of paddling!