Brilliant atmosphere at final day of Dragon Boats

By Volunteer Michelle Harris

It was the last day of the Dragon Boat event at the Lagan, Belfast. The sun was shining and everyone was smiling!

When I arrived at the Waterfront Hall I was greeted by Games Ambassadors from all around the world. From Spain to all the way from America! I had some interesting conversations with them about how they were finding Northern Ireland while suggesting to them the lesser known attractions in Belfast. One of the volunteers even said that if she won the lottery she would move to Northern Ireland!

That’s quite the complement!

Another volunteer from Spain seemed to be a bundle of energy as every time she met anybody from back home she greeted them with excited chatter!

The event began with the Mixed-10’s and after beating Singapore Police Sports Association and York Dragons, the German Police and Fire Team won the whole section! In the Mixed-20’s York Dragons won the section after defeating the German Police and Fire Team  and Aurora Australis. When Canadian side York Dragons were walking down to the boats, they had a bagpipe player which excited the crowd. He surprised the crowd by performing a rendition of Jingle Bells on their way down to the final race! They must have been so excited that it felt like Christmas!

Throughout my time at the event I have noticed the wide range of spectators. Today, it felt especially family orientated with many families making a day of it. Young children were getting involved by picking their favourites and cheering them on. One set of siblings weren’t sure who they wanted to win so they just picked their favourite colour and supported them! Seeing the children get excited about watching sport made me think about how our games could inspire a generation like the events over the water last summer.

The volunteers were offered the chance to take part in a Dragon Boat race of our very own. Why would I decline such an offer!? We helped each other into the small boats which didn’t feel as steady as they looked! The competitors made it look easy! It was very hard for us novices to keep in time with each other but it was all good fun. Just one of the perks of being a volunteer!

I’ve grown to enjoy the Dragon Boat event and I have really enjoyed my two days watching it. I’d definitely encourage people to go and watch a sport that they usually wouldn’t consider!

My next volunteer shift is on Wednesday at Queen’s Sport Upper Malone which will be hosting Gaelic Football, Rugby 7’s and Soccer 11 A-Side. Bring it on! 

Find out more at www.2013wpfg.com

Dragon Boats: Day 1

By Volunteer Michelle Harris

The action hit the Lagan today for the Dragon Boat event which proved to be an enjoyable and fun day for competitors, spectators and volunteers alike.

When I arrived at the area, I took a walk around the Waterfront Hall. There was a real buzz in the air between competitors and volunteers with some competitors giving away pins to show their gratitude.

While waiting for the event to start I caught up with two volunteers, Chloe from Belfast and Jacquie from Bristol. When asked what they were enjoying about the Games, Chloe said: “I think it is nice meeting new people from different countries, becoming friends with them and staying with them throughout our shifts. It’s nice meeting the competitors and hearing their stories.”

Jacquie said: “What I find interesting is that people follow the gamesaround the world and the amount of effort that’s put in.”

Everyone involved have different reasons for wanting to play a part in the World Police and Fire Games. For Chloe, it was the London 2012 Olympic Games: “ I think it was the London Olympics and when the World Police and Fire Games came along I thought it would be a good way to give back to the community.”

 

South Australian Fire Power dominated the Mixed Senior-10’s race from the start against the Irish Prison Service. Although, the Irish Prison Service were only introduced to the joy of Dragon Boat racing two weeks ago! They put in a fair effort but simply couldn’t defeat South Australian Fire Power who won the Mixed Senior competition.

In the Women-10’s race, it was initially a victory for CPS Bad Buoys. In the following races, however, Philadelphia Police Boat Team took the lead against them and Aurora Australis. Philadelphia Police Boat Team went on to win the section! Maybe it was the loud chants from their supporters that gave them the motivation! Their supporters were very vocal in their support, showing that they were very competitive and determined that their team would win! I even overheard one of their supporters teaching a volunteer about the technical side of the event!

It is nice to see people from all over the world come to Northern Ireland and support the World Police and Fire Games. Let’s continue to prove that we can produce the ‘Friendliest Games Ever’!

The Dragon Boat event continues tomorrow with the Men-10’s and Men-20’s races at Lanyon Place from 11:00am. On Sunday, we have the Mixed-10’s and Mixed-20’s races with the first race starting at 11:30am. Come along and see this unique event!