Bay Area Dragons Take First Place in the 250 Meter Sprint Race

By John Herrera

TEMPE - After being beaten from pillar to post all weekend long in the 500 meter sprints by the likes of LARD, San Diego, Space Dragons, and Wasabi, the Bay Area Dragons picked themselves off of the canvas and exacted some revenge on their Southern California foes as BAD sprinted its way to victory in the 250 meter sprint championship.  It was yet another first place finish in an event that has become BAD's specialty.  The victory was a much needed one, as it started the march to Penang on a very positive note.

The Bay Area Dragons presents the 2nd Annual Paddle For Life Charity Dragon Boat Race to be held June 7-8, 2008 in Oakland, California at Jack London Square.

The Paddle for Life race is a community event organized by Bay Area teams to raise money for charity , raise awareness of the dragon boat sport and create a fun time for spectators and paddlers alike. Food and commercial vendors will be on-site, as well as live entertainment. The race site is at Jack London Square in Oakland, CA. Teams consist of 20 paddlers, a steersperson and a drummer. All teams will be provided with a race-day steersperson and if needed, a drummer. There are mixed (co-ed) teams consisting of at least 8 women, open teams (i.e. Mens) consisting of all men or having less than 8 women, and women's teams consisting entirely of women paddlers. Several teams from all walks of life have signed up already to pit their novice paddlers against the other first-time paddlers. You can also sign up as an individual paddler and a team will be found for you. Race registration also includes full equipment usage, free  practices and one-on-one coaching from dragon boat experts.

For more information, please go to the Paddle For Life web site at paddleforlife.org .