Dragon BoatPhoto and Cutline by Chip Steitz, Public Affairs Officer, 10th Support Group, Torii Station, Okinawa, Japan.
The Army Women’s Dragon Boat team on Okinawa, Japan starts their season in early to mid February every year. The team consists of 32 rowers, one gonger, an assistant coach, and a head coach.
They practice three times a week for 12 weeks to get ready for the big race held every year on May 5th. The first two weeks consists of teaching techniques and developing their skills. The Team practices in the cold, rain, wind, and sunshine to get ready for the big day. It is a huge commitment to join the team and equally crucial to their training that everyone comes to practice ready to give there all over three months.
"Spending so much time together forms a very strong bond for everyone involved." said Tonja Wadsworth Army Women's Dragon Boat Coach. "We learn to work together through the good and the bad and grow from each other's weaknesses. It is an amazing experience and an honor to be a part of such a big event. This is my fourth year being involved with the dragon boat team. I can’t imagine anything else I would rather be doing.
These ladies work so hard for such a short race and to see the team grow every week is just amazing! We definitely form friendships that last a life time." The Army had a winning streak in 2004, 2005, and 2006. The Navy was hungry for a victory and took the title from us in 2007. This year our Army Women’s Dragon Boat Team is ready to bring a victory home this season. GO ARMY ! ! ! ! !
10th Support Group Japan News Archives
The Army Women’s Dragon Boat team on Okinawa, Japan starts their season in early to mid February every year. The team consists of 32 rowers, one gonger, an assistant coach, and a head coach.
They practice three times a week for 12 weeks to get ready for the big race held every year on May 5th. The first two weeks consists of teaching techniques and developing their skills. The Team practices in the cold, rain, wind, and sunshine to get ready for the big day. It is a huge commitment to join the team and equally crucial to their training that everyone comes to practice ready to give there all over three months.
"Spending so much time together forms a very strong bond for everyone involved." said Tonja Wadsworth Army Women's Dragon Boat Coach. "We learn to work together through the good and the bad and grow from each other's weaknesses. It is an amazing experience and an honor to be a part of such a big event. This is my fourth year being involved with the dragon boat team. I can’t imagine anything else I would rather be doing.
These ladies work so hard for such a short race and to see the team grow every week is just amazing! We definitely form friendships that last a life time." The Army had a winning streak in 2004, 2005, and 2006. The Navy was hungry for a victory and took the title from us in 2007. This year our Army Women’s Dragon Boat Team is ready to bring a victory home this season. GO ARMY ! ! ! ! !
10th Support Group Japan News Archives
No comments:
Post a Comment