Port Macquarie paddlers are off and racing against the best teams across the globe, after being selected for the 2020 Club Crew World Championship.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Flamin' Dragons womens team were chosen for the prestigious tournament after competing in a six boat grand final at the annual Australian National Championships held in Canberra over the Easter weekend.
During the competition the crews also collected a gold medal in the mens race and a bronze in the mixed event as well as being named NSW Dragon Boat Club of the Year.
Club spokesman Andrew Blundell said the international competition held at Aix-les-Bains, France in August was the pinnacle of the sport.
"Although our women's team didn't place, they did however qualify for the Club Crew World Championships in France in 2020," he said.
"An exceptional result for a small club based in regional NSW.
"The Club Crew World Championships brings together clubs from all over the world to compete in a fun, yet competitive championship where Australian crew's strongest competition is from the Canadians, Americans, Russian and Chinese teams."
The selection for the prestigious tournament came as a complete, but welcome surprise said Mr Blundell.
"To be asked to represent Australia at the Club Crew World Championships in France 2020 in the Women's B Division, that's really good for our women's team," he said.
"We were selected based on our performances across two years and it's a really big honour for us.
"There will be a maximum team of around 28 people with up to 24 paddlers, four reserves.
"The team will have a chance at 200m, 500m and 2km events and guaranteed starts with at least six races.
"It's not something the Club would even have considered before, obviously we have shown commitment to the sport and been chosen.
"We'd like to thank the Port Macquarie community and Clubs, we're proud of teams who went to nationals and really really proud of our women's team."
What is happening in sport?
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.
