Staging the 2024 International Canoe Federation Dragon Boat World Championships on home turf, Team Philippines wants nothing less than to contend fiercely for the overall title by putting its best foot forward against the finest paddlers on the planet.
William Vincent “Vinny” Marcos will help ensure that the national dragon boat squad will be on track to make the country proud, throwing his all-out support for the country’s paddlers to perform world-class during the meet from October 28 to November 4, to be hosted by Puerto Princesa City.
Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation president Leonora Escollante confirmed the Presidential son’s backing, specifically the preparation of the national junior squad of at least 36 paddlers based in Mindanao and Calbayog City, Samar.
“Sir Vinny’s help will greatly boost our team’s chances to win more medals in the 2024 ICF Dragon Boat World Championships,’’ said Escollante in expressing gratitude to Marcos, the youngest of the three sons of President Ferdinand,” Bongbong’’ Marcos Jr.
Marcos, appointed as special assistant to House Speaker Martin Romualdez, will monitor the progress of the junior paddlers in the nation’s quest to at least duplicate its feat of capturing a record five gold medals during the 2018 edition of the worlds in Gainesville, Georgia, United States.
“We are hosting the world’s biggest dragon boat meet and we intend to make our kababayans very proud,’’ said Escollante.
At least 20 countries have already confirmed their attendance as the PCKF and host Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Rodriguez Bayron expect a much bigger turnout compared to the previous editions of the world championships.
With still five months away, the Philippines has already surpassed the participation of 15 countries back in 2022 when Racice, Czech Republic hosted the worlds with the organizers anticipating a much bigger record entry.
Aside from the Philippines, top-notch paddlers from Germany, Hungary, Sweden, France, Czech Republic, Canada, Spain, and the United States have confirmed attendance.
Dragon boat specialists from India, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Iran, Malaysia, Thailand, Macau, Hong Kong, Myanmar, and Cambodia are likewise set to arrive.
