Thousands compete in final day of dragon boat racing in Welland

Almost four thousand people were competing Sunday in the final day of competition at the Canadian Dragon Boat Championships in Welland.

Organizers say the sport that originated thousands of years ago in China has become dominated internationally by Canadians.

Chloe Greenhalgh says Canadians have the work ethic and passion to be the best in a sport where paddlers have to work together, creating a sense of teamwork that goes beyond winning.

“With twenty people working in unison, truly in unison, if you are not 100 per cent synchronized it all falls to pieces,” Greenhalgh said.

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This sport is different in other ways as well, the athletes are all amateurs who pay their own way to these competitions.

And its inclusive. Organizers says paddlers ranged from 12-years-old to 82 at this event.

And dragon boat teams include people dealing with health issues like breast cancer and Multiple Sclerosis.

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This weekend, a Welland team made history by becoming the first para athletes to race in the Canadian championships, winning a gold medal.

Organizers say this sport raises money to support hospitals and communities and brings people together.