OARS ARE ALL IN

Three teens with Norristown’s Dragon Boat Club qualify for Team USA

NORRISTOWN >> Three young rowers with the Dragon Boat Club will be joining the United States team to row against youth teams from around the world in Thailand in August.

Clad in red, about 30 members of the Dragon Boat Club, which uses the boat ramp at Riverfront Park, came to the Norristown council meeting Tuesday to talk about their achievement.

Robin Parker, the head coach, said, “These youth worked harder than anyone I know.”

Kevin Brown, who coaches the youth team, said that the three teenagers will first go to California to practice with others who have been selected to row for America to mesh their rowing styles. The 20 rowers on each boat must get into sync before they can compete. Every two years Dragon Boats from around the world compete in a world championship, he said. The teens— Michael Killen, 14, of Norristown, Charlie Helfand, 15, of Upper Merion and Sophia Hoch, 16, of Souderton—in the Norristown Club beat older teenagers for spots on the USA youth national team since the sport is open to 18 years old and younger, he said. The kids work out six days a week, he said.

“We are so proud of these young people, not only representing Team USA, but Norristown,” said Parker.

Council members also praised the teenagers and the audience applauded them.

“Good luck, have a safe trip,” said Council President Sonya Sanders. “Represent Norristown well.”

The Dragon Boat Club has both youth and adult

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LINDA STEIN-MEDIANEWS GROUP Dragon Boat Club Team USA members: Michael Killen, 14, a freshman at Norristown High School; Sophia Hoch, 16, a junior at Souderton Area High School; and Charlie Helfand, 15, a freshman at Upper Merion High School, with Coach Kevin Brown at the left.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Dragon Boat members, from left, Michael Killen, Sophie Hoch and Charlie Helfand have made Team USA. A Family and Fun Day with an introduction to dragon boating at the Riverfront Park Haws Avenue boat landing will be held on Aug. 17 at 11 a.m. For more information go to: www.dragonboatclub.org