FYP DC Makes a Splash Again: Dragon Boat Team Returns for Year Two
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The Fearless, Yet Persistent dragon boat team returned to the Washington, DC Dragon Boat Festival for its second year, proudly representing the Filipino Young Professionals of Washington, DC (FYP DC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and connecting the Filipino American community throughout the DMV region.
The team carries on the legacy of FYP DC’s previous racing team, the Lapu Lapu Warriors, while continuing to introduce new paddlers to the sport and build community through teamwork, culture, and competition.
After several weeks of training and preparation, the team competed in four races throughout the festival, including two 200-meter races and two 500-meter races. The Fearless, Yet Persistent team delivered its strongest performance to date, breaking the one-minute mark in the 200-meter race and improving its 500-meter time by seven seconds compared to the previous year.
The team’s hard work culminated in a gold medal finish in the final race of the day, where they crossed the finish line more than a full boat length ahead of the competition. The team also narrowly missed earning a second gold medal in the 200-meter final, finishing just one second behind first place.
Beyond the competition, the festival provided an opportunity for paddlers, supporters, friends, and family members to come together in celebration of Filipino American community and culture. Team members spent the day cheering each other on, sharing food through a team potluck, and creating lasting memories both on and off the water.
FYP DC would like to thank all of the paddlers, volunteers, supporters, coaches, and community members who helped make this year’s team a success. Special thanks to Coach Francis, Coach Jill, Mike Reyes, John Victoria, and Wika Designs for their support throughout the season.
As the team celebrates another successful year and another gold medal, preparations are already underway for Year 3. The Fearless, Yet Persistent team is always open to new paddlers, regardless of experience level.
If you are interested in joining next year’s team, follow @fypdc on Instagram and stay connected through FYP DC’s events and programs that bring the community together throughout the year.