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On the 4th and 5th of October 2008, our Republic Polytechnic (RP) Dragons
united with one determined heart at the race site at Marina Reservoir for the National 5-Crew Dragon Boat Race and SDBA-Austcham
10km Dragon Boat Challenge 2008.
There was a turnout of 800 people consisting of different teams across the nation.
In conjunction with this year’s Waterfest, the annual 5-crew Dragon Boat Challenge jointly organised by Singapore Dragon Boat Association (SDBA) and People’s Association Water-Venture (PAWV),
and the long distance 10km dragon boat race was held in the hope that it would
bring the level of interest of this paddling sport to greater heights and that participants would appreciate the spectacular waterways that Singapore offers. 
Despite the unpredictable weather with the blazing hot sun and pouring rain.
It failed to dominate the undeterring minds of our RP Dragons. We sent in a total of 7 teams consisting of 5 mens
team and 2 womens team respectively for the 5-crew race. The team put up a great fight, leaving us with mens Team “A” with one of the fastest timings and womens Team “A” clocking the best timing with womens Team “B” fighting through all the way to the finals.
Despite being worn out from the 5-crew race, RP Dragons went all out for yet another
taxing 10km race. They gave it their best shot, breaking their limits and put up
a tough battle. They emerged victorious in 3rd position
amongst 18 teams against competitors like Mountbatten and Austchamp. Taking into
consideration that
they had only one practice session, RP Dragons have definitely done exceptionally well
for the first day.
After a day’s rest, the Dragonboat IG sprang back into action the next
day, hungering for more victory. Toll has definitely taken its effect on our Mens Team “A” and caused the
guys to be eliminated in the tertiary event. However, this triggered and unleashed their dragon prowess,
and they clinched the 3rd position in the Opens event. The guys have
indeed shown the fighting spirit of a true dragonboater.
The womens Team “A” and “B” were placed in a tough competition against NTUC
Team “A” and “B” in the finals which meant vying for the top position with experienced paddlers who are currently in the national team. But this did not hinder Womens
Team “A” from securing the first placing and Womens Team “B” for the third placing in the Opens category. Well done, girls!
To sum up our triumph, the Dragonboat IG had a fruitful experience and brought home 3rd position in Mens Opens, 1st and 3rd in Womens Opens and lastly 3rd in Womens
tertiary.
The journey does not stop here, the Dragonboat IG is out to reign at all races,
and aims to produce the best paddlers and continue to bring glory to RP.
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