Team name: Gorging Dragons Paradragons
Founded: 2024
Team type/Race division: Open (all ages, all genders). Paradragons is the term used by IDBF to describe paddlers who have some form of physical, psychological, neurological, sensory, developmental or intellectual impairment.
Practice times: Para athletes practice alongside our age class Gorging Dragons athletes with practices available in Victoria, Nanaimo, and the Comox Valley.
About the team: The Gorging Dragons Paradragons made their international debut at the 14th Club Crew World Championships in Ravenna, Italy in September 2024. Our PD1 (100% para-athletes) and PD2 (minimum 50% para-athletes) teams showed they are already a force to reckon with against the best in the world. With both teams medalling in each of their events, PD1 came home with 2 silver medals (2km and 200m) and 1 bronze medal (500m), and PD2 came home with 2 silver medals (2km and 500m). We look forward to seeing what this group of athletes can accomplish as the program develops.
Coaches: High Performance coaching team led by Tom Arnold.
Festivals attended: Gorge Super Sprints, Vessi 500 Championship, Concord Pacific Dragon Boat Festival, Victoria Dragon Boat Festival. The Gorging Dragons teams attend the Canadian National Championships every odd year to try and qualify for the Club Crew World Championships held every even year.
Contact information: info@vipaddling.com – You can also find out more about the Gorging Dragons team on our Facebook page here.
Sponsors: If you’re interested in sponsoring our team, please reach out to Tom Arnold.
Recruiting?: Yes – recruiting both men and women of all ages who meet the Dragon Boat Canada criteria for Paradragons. No paddling experience required. We are part of the high-performance program, so prospective team members should have a reasonable fitness level and desire to train hard.
