The name changed, but the result was the same - the aluminum smelter management team racing this year under the name of the Rio Speed Dragons, made it a hattrick of victories in the Dragon Boat Community Challenge.
Speed Dragons live up to their name
Published: July 09, 2008 6:00 AMAfter delivering a prayer in Haisla prior to racing in the third annual Dragon Boat Community Challenge, Sammy Robinson explained to the crowd he had asked the Creator for three things: that the seas be calm, there be no rain, and no accidents on the water.
And he quickly pointed out the Creator had already answered his prayer regarding rain.
In the end all Robinson’s wishes were granted, including the flat calm on Minette Bay which created ideal racing conditions for the 12 teams entered.
For the third straight year victory went to the Rio Tinto smelter management team - this time racing as the Rio Speed Dragons - but they may have to look to their laurels in 2009.
The Kitimat community team Tragically Quick was quick, finishing less than half a second behind the winners in their first attempt.
And that performance also earned them an unexpected bonus.
Rio Tinto had offered to pay the registration for the winning team to go down to next year’s Dragon Boat Festival in Vancouver.
But because its winning management team was going down anyway, they gave the prize to the Tragically Quick.
Another excellent debut came from the Haisla crew of Sahnis - Water Grizzly - as they took the C division by a second and a half.
But while race results were good for bragging rights, many of the participants were there for the pure fun of the event.
For several teams it wasn’t just their first race, it was the first time they had even been out on the water in a dragon boat.
But then that’s what puts the ‘Community’ in the name of the event.
And ensures that next year’s event will be every bit as popular - and successful.
Full results were as follows:
