Local, visiting teams add spirit to dragon boat race

An afternoon downpour didn't dampen the enthusiasm of 22 teams racing across Capitol Lake on Sunday for the third annual Dragon Boat Festival.

"We practiced last weekend in the wind and snow, so this is nothing," said Robin Quinn-Dowling, part of the Snake Eyes team, made up of city of Lacey employees.

The competition featured three heats and two divisions, with paddling talent from local jurisdictions and businesses and several colleges and universities, including the 2006 champion, Shanghai Maritime University. Regional teams also participated, including Hillsboro, Ore.-based Blind Ambition, whose members are vision-impaired.

Teams paddled vigorously across the lake in traditional Chinese dragon boats — long, sleek rowing boats painted with reptile scales and with dragon heads affixed to one end.

The boats are rented from the Tacoma Dragon Boat Association.

Competitors chanted and cheered each other toward the finish line, while several dozen spectators showed support from the shore.

The event, sponsored by Saint Martin's University's Office of International Programs and Development, is a celebration of diversity that grew out of a partnership and exchange program with universities in China, including Shanghai Maritime.

"It's really to promote community ... and introduce a new tradition," said Haley Thompson, director of Saint Martin's Office of International Programs and Development.

Benefits scholarships

Proceeds will go toward international scholarships for faculty, staff members and students to study abroad, she said.

Before the final heat that placed Shanghai Maritime's team as a two-time champion, members said they were pleased to participate, but anxious to uphold their 2006 title.

"We will try our best. We did a rather good job in the first two races, and we'll do even better in the final round," said teacher Zhang Xinping, translating for team captain Wu Kunfei, 22.

Zhang was one of three teachers who traveled with the 21-member team. The race was part of a five-day visit to the area.

Dragon boat racing is part of Chinese culture, villages and cities throughout the country have racces, she said.

She said the team practices several times a week, and members participate in races throughout the year.

How much time did local teams spend practicing?

"Two hours," said Quinn-Dowling.

"We beat Olympia. That's all that matters," added Jolene Howard of Snake Eyes, who works as a permit technician for the city of Lacey.

Team Olympia — which fell behind its Lacey rivals by about 0.04 seconds — countered that they might have a rematch at next year's festival. But the race was mainly about having fun, they said.

"We had a good time and a lot of camaraderie," said Kalo Wilcox, Olympia city prosecutor.

Diane Huber is a reporter for The Olympian. She can be reached at 360-357-0204 or dhuber@theolympian.com.