Club Captain, Rick Bundy, has been elected the 2009 “Club Person of the Year” from a strong field 
nominated by members of the Central Coast Dragon Boat Club. The award citation recognised his inspiring leadership and personal achievements in the Club’s most successful year to date. Willy Paku was last year’s winner.
Nine of our members, Melissa Dunn, Lynda Simmonds, Greg Bell, Rick Bundy, Dave Crotty, Ian George, Joe Iacono, Willy Paku and Troy Vingerhoedt paddled for NSW state teams which dominated the National Championships held at Kawana Waters on the Sunshine Coast, over the Anzac Day Weekend.
NSW teams took out the overall points tally ahead of Queensland, with first placings in eight of the twelve racing categories. In club vs. club racing, NSW with 14 clubs at the championships, again monopolised the winning positions.
Our paddlers were supported by a strong Central Coast cheer squad, one of whom, Pam Greene, is rumoured to have also performed in a “Super Masters” demonstration race – well done Pam!
Well done to all of our paddlers at the nationals and good luck to Willy, Dave and Ian who are lining up for the World Championships in Prague at the end of August.
Sea Dragons bring home their bling!
Why are we celebrating? Quite apart from having had a fantastic season with another great regatta at Tacoma, trophies at every regatta entered and nine members in the State squad for the nationals, we have been named “Club of the Year” by DragonBoats NSW.
The award was announced on Saturday March 21 at the State Finals regatta at the Sydney International Regatta Centre much to the surprise of our paddlers who were already basking in the warm glow of more trophies and a season well completed. Well done to Rick who being forewarned by Melanie, had managed to keep the award secret for some days
Presenting the award, Association President, Steve Davidson said that the club had “emerged out of nowhere” over the last twelve to eighteen months to achieve consistent success in racing, a strong presence at the state level and an excellent regatta held on the Wyong River at Tacoma.
Our Club thanks all who have contributed to our development over 6 years – the Newcastle Dragon Hunters, individuals from elsewhere in our “family of clubs” and most particularly, Rick Bundy and Joe Iacono who have guided and cajoled us to greater effort, commitment and success over recent months. Your contribution is much appreciated.
Now comes the challenge to top this year’s success in the coming season.
PADDLES UP!!
Teigan with a winning smile