Forbes Dragon Club members with Phil Donato and the new 10-seater dragon boat.
On Monday, 30 November, Member for Orange, Phil Donato MP visited Forbes to announce funding for the Forbes Dragon Boat Club under the Local Sporting Grant Program 2019/20.
The $5,000 of funding contributed towards the purchase of a champion 10-seater dragon boat, an asset that is already being put to good use in the Club.
“The Forbes Dragon Boat Club is a growing club of around 33 people that provides a wonderful social outlet, comradery, and physical fitness,” Phil said.
“It’s wonderful to see the local Dragon Boating community continue to thrive, and I was proud to support this funding application.”
Club member Deanna Williams said she was delighted the club received the funding and explained that the new 10-seater boat is a huge benefit in numerous ways.
“We previously had two 20-seater boats, we needed the 10-seater champion boat because we often don’t get the number of people required to put out a 20-seater,” Deanna explained.
“You need at least 10 people to paddle a 20-seater boat, but only five or six people to paddle a 10-seater. A lot of members travel from a fair distance, so if they turn up and we can’t put out a boat, it’s a bit of a disappointment.”
Deanna also explained that the new 10-seater boat also allows for more rigorous training, which suits some of the clubs more competitive members.
“Quite a few people come for a social paddle, while some members like to train more rigorously to get practice in for NSW representation at the Australian Championships,” she explained.
“The 10-seater is a smaller boat which means it’s more difficult, and you really need to get your technique right and your timing correct. It is great for rigorous training practice. The 20-seaters are heavier and more stable, so they are better for the social paddles.”