Dragonboat, canoe-kayak national team slots up for grabs in PHL games

National team pool slots are up for grabs when dragonboat and canoe-kayak competitions in the 2nd Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)-Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) National Games begin on June 1 at Lake Caliraya in Laguna. The three-day race, which ends on June 3, is open to all dragonboat and canoe-kayak enthusiasts regardless of affiliation or age, said Philippine Canoe-Kayak Federation Inc. (PCKF) president Dr. Sim Chi Tat. Top performers will be added to the Philippine contingent in the 3rd Asian Beach Games in Haiyang, China from June 16 to 22. The kayak events at Caliraya include 200- and 500-meters in men’s and women’s single sprint, touring single and touring double; while the canoe events are the 200- and 500-m in men’s and women’s single sprint. For dragonboat, already one of the country’s most popular sports, events will be in the 200- and 500-m for men’s 20 crew, women’s 10 crew and 20 mixed crew. PCKF secretary general Jonne Go said since the games are open to individuals, teams or clubs, federation member or non-members, minors who will be joining the events need to present a waiver signed by their parents, coaches or guardians. National team coach Lenlen Escolante said the event is sanctioned by the International Canoe Federation, the world governing body of the sport. The merger of the canoe-kayak and dragonboat sports associations had the Philippines winning one gold, two silver and two bronze medals in the 2011 Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia. Registration could be made online through www.png.psc.gov.ph, or through the PCKF  technical organizer mobile phone numbers: 09052245498 and 09063261238, landline 02-2431357 or email addresses pckf.philippines@hotmaill.com or jonne_go23@yahoo.com. - JVP / AMD, GMA News