HPB Voices Reloaded
May - June 2007
Go to : Fitness Assessment | Dragon Boat Race | Fitness @ Work |
Go to : SMM's Visit to SPF | JP Morgan |
THE “ROAR” OF THE DRAGON
In April 2005, the first “health family” Dragon Boat Race hit the waters and “Rowed and Roared” to the crowd lining the Kallang Basin. It was the start of the health family Dragon Boat Race organised by HPB. Teams from HPB, MOH, HSA ,NHG , Singhealth and Raffles Hospital came on board in a friendly race. The Minister for Health, Mr Khaw took to the helm and drummed his MOH boat in the friendly, but fiercely contested events. “We should do it again” said Minister as he came ashore wet and smiling.
This year, on March 31st , on an early Saturday morning’s rising tide, the “Kallang Roar” came alive again !
HPB was organising the second “Row and Roar” Dragon Boat Race. The event attracted 13 teams, 160 participants, and more than 150 supporters. Some were seasoned rowers who participated in international events. But most were novices, there to soak up the atmosphere, but mainly the splashes from the rower in front!
After an early morning aerobics workout, and muscles loosened up, the teams were ready for the waters.
This year the Race was extended by 50 metres to 300 metres.The Singapore Dragon Boat Association assisted with the boats, safety equipment, marshalls and time keepers among other things.
HPB fielded three teams, including a “VIP” boat with Chairman, Wong Yew Meng, at the helm drumming, and CEO, Pin Woon, sportingly paddling with fellow HPBians. The MOH team with guest-of–honour, MOS (Health) Heng Chee How sitting at the drums, looked very confident and organised with its matching “dragon” T shirts and flags.
However, NHG’s two boats cut through the waters with strong, synchronised, deft strokes, leaving its wash to upset the rest of the field. It took 1st and 2nd positions, with MOH trailing in third place. (NHG’s team won last year too)
HPB’s teams showed grit and determination, but the dragon eluded us. Thanks to the organiser, HWC’s sports and games sub committee, victory may come.... perhaps the next time.
We all got wet. We had good fun, good team work and good camaraderie amongst the health family. That’s the way of the Dragon.
Results below ...
Health Family Dragon Boat Race 31st Mar 07, Kallang Basin