Deliberate strokes of competition, friendship

By Mr. Karl Weisel (IMCOM)October 28, 2013

Deliberate strokes of competition, friendship
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Deliberate strokes of competition, friendship
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Deliberate strokes of competition, friendship
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WIESBADEN, Germany - What has 40 arms, a dragon's head and moves like a water spider?

If you guessed one of the dragon boats on Wiesbaden's Schiersteiner Harbor, you were right on the money.

For the past several years members of the Wiesbaden military community have been joining their German neighbors in enjoying this pastime which brings people together for some friendly, paddle-power competition in giant dragon boats.

A combined team of members of the 66th Military Intelligence Brigade's Lazy Dragons and fellow U.S. and German community members competed at the 2013 ESWE Cup Dragon Boat Race in Wiesbaden-Schierstein on Sept. 21.

"Our team included remnants of the Lazy Dragons plus new Wiesbaden military community members -- service members, family members and civilians," said team captain Mara Cornejo. "It's a good example of partnership and sportsmanship with our German hosts.

"We finished sixth out of 12 teams," she said, adding that the paddlers competed in five races during the daylong contest.

Cornejo added that new paddlers are always welcome to come out and get involved in the sport. "We'd love to have more American involved.

"It's a great sport," she added, "being out on the water in the open air. We get a great workout, enjoy the exercise, friendship and camaraderie. We all have a common interest and the newcomers really like it.

"It's a whole body workout, "Cornejo added, "from your toes to your neck. It's not easy to master, but we practice at least once a week and it's very rewarding."

The team captain said that practices continue during the winter months -- but indoors.

"It's a new experience," said teammate Cheryl Powell, property book officer with the 2nd Signal Brigade. "Had I not come overseas, I would never have done something like this.

"I think people should give it a try," Powell added. "It's really different -- not the everyday things that people do. It doesn't require brute strength. And it's great that it combines military and civilians with the host nation."

Besides the fitness and fun aspects, Powell said she appreciates the opportunity to "become enmeshed in the local German community and a part of the culture."

For more information about dragon boating or getting involved in the sport contact Mara Cornejo at civ (0611) 705-7171 or by email at mara.c.cornejo.civ@mail.mil.

Related Links:

Wiesbaden Military Community