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Photo: Philippine Canoe-Kayak Dragonboat Federation (PCKDF) President Leonora ‘Len’ Escollante (left) poses for posterity with Sepak Takraw Federation Coach Ronsited Gabayeron and athletes Ken Interno and Mark Kian Jake Fuentez during TOPS ‘Usapang Sports’.
The Philippine Canoe-Kayak and Dragon Boat Federation is pushing all-in to ensure the success of the upcoming hosting of the International Canoe Federation Dragon Boat World Championship – the country’s first – in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
More than 3,000 athletes, coaches, and officials from 40 countries are expected to flock to the province dubbed ‘The Last Frontier’ for the prestigious tournament, which is scheduled for October 28 to November 4.
“Several European countries like Russia, Slovenia, Poland, and Germany (with 190 athletes) have already confirmed their participation. It’s a big challenge for us, but with the help of the Philippine Sports Commission and the City government of Puerto Princesa led by Mayor Lucio Rodriguez Bayron, we’re 100 percent ready to host the event. All-in,” said Philippine Canoe-Kayak and Dragon Boat Federation (PCKDF) president Leonora ‘Len’ Escollante at the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports, Inc. (TOPS) ‘Usapang Sports’ on Thursday at the PSC Conference Room in Malate, Manila.
Escollante insisted that Mayor Bayron would lead the city’s newly formed local organizing committee to ensure the success of hosting the most significant international tournament in years.
The tournament will include 58 events for juniors, women’s, men’s, mixed, open, and masters. In addition to the regular Philippine Team, the country will be represented by competitive teams such as Siargao and Cebu, which, according to Escollante, are all champions in the PCKDF master’s event.
“As an appetizer and also to drumbeat the world tournament, we will first hold Club competitions two weeks before the meet, so we invite all club teams to join. This is also part of our talent search program,” said Escalante at the weekly sports forum sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Behrouz Persian Cuisine, and Pocari Sweat.
The country’s target is to win the overall championships if not match the six gold medals won in the 2018 edition held in Atlanta, Georgia.
“Because we did not participate in the 2022 edition, we now have a chance to surpass the gold medal haul in 2018 and hopefully win the overall championships,” she said.
Escollante also welcomed the support Malacanang conveyed for the success of the tournament.
“Malacanang informed us about the scheduled audience meeting with the presidential son Vincent. This is a big thing for sports and the hosting,” according to Escalante.
Before the World Tilt, the Philippine Team was scheduled to participate in the China Open Championship in Shanghai on June 2, and the International Open meet in Russia on June 14.
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