Yes, we did it – we participated in our first international DB festival and it was GREAT! May 16-21, our team took part in the 5th Barcelona International Dragon Boat Festival. What to say!? So much excitement, anticipation, racing anxiety, happiness, joy and more than anything PRIDE! We were making the history not only for our team but for our country CROATIA as well, representing it at the international stage as the only country’s official dragon boat team.
The festival was BIG and it was almost perfectly organized: 940 participants, 15 countries, 40 teams, super friendly and helpful staff and volunteers. We met a lot of wonderful people/paddlers and made a lot of new friends, some of them hopefuly permanent. Some of them (members of Pink Champagne team Bournemouth, UK) came to visit us in Croatia afterwards and paddled with us! Thanks girls, it was great having you in Zadar!
We were 24 strong and participated in three categories: 500m womens masters, 200m womens masters and 200m BCS. Our best result was in 200m where we placed 7th among 18 teams, and in the BCS race where we placed 20th of 25 teams! For 500m races we have to work more and harder to get to where we can and want to be.
All this was possible thanks to many generous donors from our city of Zadar. We must recognize that! Our “wheel“ is running since day 1 because of their support!
We also wanted to report that we registered 5 BCS paddlers for the IBCPC Festival in France. We are looking to join an incomplete team and make it full composite team. We have a steer too! Let us know if you are in the same situation so we can join forces!
Also, if any team wants to participate in the 4th International Dragon Boat Cup of the city of Zagreb (October 12, 2024) please let us know (for details check our FB page Zadar Dragonboat for contact info). We are trying to help festival’s growth by including more survivor teams and promoting BCS cause and healthy lifestyle through this wonderful sport.
Yours truly
ZMAJKE from ZADAR, CROATIA!
