The team had trained hard all year, taking to the water every weekend, erg training (on stationary trainers) once a week, small boat training twice a week, gym work and cross-training during winter.  In March, all training sessions moved to the water - three practices a week and various other events to remain competitive.  The team raised a good deal of money and departed for Italy in late August to compete in early September.

 

At the Canadian Dragon Boat Championships this summer, Joanne Cowan’s team the Gorging Dragons achieved a top-5 placing, qualifying them for the World Championships in Ravenna, Italy, to take place in September.

At the Worlds, the Gorging Dragons went on to win a bronze medal in the 200 metre race and silver medal in the 500 metre race. Joanne was excited to learn that in 2016, the World Championships will be held in Adalaide, Australia and she is already beginning her travel planning.   The Gorging Dragon team is still accepting new, interested members and is hoping to form a mixed (men + women) team this year.

 

Joanne cross-trains by running with the Harriers and her dog Achillies, an Australian cattle dog who is her personal trainer, and also by attending adult ballet classes once a week in Colwood.  Ballet keeps her fit and improves her balance and flexibility.