PH seals ICF worlds hosting
Puerto Princesa City will be the center of activity in global dragon boat racing with the country’s staging of the International Canoe Federation Dragon Boat World Championships from Oct. 28 to Nov. 4.
ICF President Thomas Konietzko recently led a delegation in a successful site visit where they were provided with a rundown of the progress on the preparations of the biggest sports spectacle in the Philippines this year.
An estimated 3,500 paddlers from 35 to 50 countries across the globe are anticipated to see action in the world championships, all of them eager to experience one of the most elite beach destinations on the planet.
"It’s an honor for Puerto Princesa to host an event of this magnitude.
This is a significant challenge for us, but once we get started and achieve success, it means that organizing and hosting larger events will become much easier for us,’’ said Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Rodriguez Bayron.
Bayron welcomed Konietzko along with ICF Dragon Boat Commission Chair Dr. Wai-hung Luk and the rest of the delegation, who were all impressed by Puerto Princesa’s mission to protect the natural environment.
"The Philippines is very proud to host this event. We want to organize a very competitive World Championships and combine that with the cultural and natural experience as this is one of the most beautiful places in the world," said Konietzko.
Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation (PCKF) president Leonora Escollante provided an update about the plans of the meet during the delegation’s ocular that included a visit to the famed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site.
"It’s tough to bid for the world championship hosting, but they love to do it in the Philippines to see its beauty and experience the world-famous hospitality of the Filipinos," said Escollante, the indefatigable canoe-kayak dragon boat chief who spearheaded the nation’s staging of the event.
Named ``The City in a Forest,’’ Puerto Princesa is famous for its breathtaking views and covers a large area with a lot of natural, cultural and historical sites and wonders for visitors to explore.
"I fully expect the beautiful city of Puerto Princesa to deliver a superb ICF Dragon Boat World Championships. It’s an event that should not be missed and I am sure it will be a memorable experience for any team that will travel here later this year," said Dr. Luk.
The PCKDF and the organizing committee together with the ICF, are looking forward to witnessing all national dragon boat teams to race in the 200 meters, 500m and 2000m distances.
"The ICF wholeheartedly supports the PCKF and the City of Puerto Princesa headed by Mayor Bayron in their endeavor to host this World Championships," said Konietzko.
Advanced entries from Germany, Hungary, France, Czech Republic, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand and Japan, among others, have already confirmed their participation.
"We believe that this event will not only exemplify the competitive spirit of athletes worldwide, but also contribute significantly to the continued growth and popularity of dragon boat racing on a global scale," added Konietzko.
The Philippine Canoe and Kayak Federation (PCKF) is the governing body of all paddling sports in the Philippines, which include Canoe & Kayak Sprints, Slalom Canoe, Standup Paddling (SUP) Outrigger Canoe Ocean Racing and Dragon Boat.