Shunde dragon boat team won champions on national contest

　　From May 22nd to 23rd, the 2021 China Dragon Boat Open kick-started in Suining, Sichuan Province. Travelling all the way from Shunde, Foshan, over 20 athletes from Shunde Louvre Team raced to the top and once again, took home 4 trophies by winning 200- and 500-meter straights, 3000-meter detours and the highest scores in total. It was a massive victory claimed during this two-day contest.

　　"BANG!" - a long-awaited game started when a loud whistlesiren rang followed by drumbeats on Guanyin Lake. Athletes from all teams rowed the boats with neatly designed paddles at their full strengths. Exciting and inspiring as the scene is, splashing waves on the lake, shout-outs from team members and cheer-ups coming from the audiences have created an air of tension, if any, passion and excitement on the spot.

　　"Last year, China Dragon Boat Open was suspended for 16 months due to the pandemic, but nonetheless we did not stop our daily training and continued to build up our team. What we've done was more than worth it. We are excited to achieve such good grades today." Shared by Feng Guojing, Coach of Shunde Lecong Louvre Dragon Boat Team. Upon his shoulder lies another important mission - to lead the team in preparing the upcoming games, and, furthermore, present to the world the outstanding dragon boat race skills, as well as the dragon boat spirit - "Dare to be the First" ("敢为天下先").

　　This year, China Dragon Boat Open will be then arranged in 10 cities as the one in Suining being the first, followed by those held in Honghu in Hubei, Putuo in Shanghai, Chengmai in Hainan, Tongren in Guizhou, and Tianshui in Gansu.

　　Author | Jersey

　　Revisor | Jessica

　　Photo | Lu Shuai, Foshan Daily