Power of the dragon boat
Stroke by stroke 20 young people steer the boat downriver, all moving to one rhythm, all embracing the goal of reaching the end in the fastest possible time.
This is possibly the millionth time they have raced down the course. This does not impede their effort or the passion they displayed on the very first time they stepped into the boat. In fact, some may argue the passion has multiplied exponentially.
Every Sunday, youth practice their strokes and fine-tune their rhythm in preparation for upcoming regattas. Oddly enough the race is only the final goal but the process is by far the most rewarding part. Over the months, these young people learn so much about themselves.
They are able to engage in self-directed learning and it fosters a sense of self-esteem and achievement. Many have spoken about the impact of dragon boat racing on their physical fitness, mental tenacity and self-confidence.
This naturally spills over into other aspects of their lives, namely their personal relationships and school career since no goal is too high and nothing will be achieved without hard work and determination.
As they peer out at the finish line at the water's edge, so too these young people stand at the beginning of the rest of their lives.
[This article has been edited by the Operating Team]
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