The Western NSW Squad were proud participants at the recent National Dragon Boat Championships on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
Although the squad, consisting of Warren and Donna Edwards, Bill and Beth Thomas, and Rochelle Smith of Parkes, and Claire Davis and Chris Favelle of Forbes, did not win any medals the experience of paddling 500m races in a highly esteemed national event was an amazing achievement in its own right.
Other accomplishments were personal best (PB) times in every single race category, including women’s, mixed and open, with a fourth place as the best placing, and one PB by 15 seconds.
“It was a fabulous day on Lake Kawana,” said state coach Deb Clarke. Assistant coach Lou Linke agreed, congratulating the team on a great campaign: “You did Regional NSW proud!”
If there were prizes for mutual respect and team camaraderie then no-one could have achieved a higher rating. For team member Rochelle Smith it was all about the bond they share: “Thanks to everyone for being so fun and respectful of each other.”
The Westies, as they were known, included teammates from Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Lithgow and Wagga Wagga.
By Beth Thomas