The ECE Staff Team in NP Regatta 2013 (1st Nov 2013, Friday)

Rowing on land

Kiss the dragon for good luck.

Leaving the pier.

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After we arrived at Marina Barrage at about 1 pm, we gathered at a corner for a pep talk, followed immediately by dry simulation as we were lacking in practice. The rowing action involves a lot of body twisting movements and Yoga is the perfect warm-up exercise for it. All Yoga lessons begin with conscious breathing exercises and opening up of the spine’s 6 degrees of moment. That was what we did minus the breathing part. As we still have time on our hand, we went for a jog to get us in the mood for a tough fight. We came in second in Heat 2 and therefore qualified for the Final. However, rain cut short the event and we did not have the chance to show our mettle in the Final. Even though we did not win based on timing, I saluted Nancy and Khee Peng for their tenacity. A lesser soul like me would have sought the easier way out by combining with another division to form the staff Dragon Boat team. At the end of the day, it is still more meaningful to form our own team however hard it is, as we would be rowing for ECE.
I am the parachuted-in captain who did not know much about Dragon Boat race. I learnt a lot in the process, from YouTube, Chong Kit, Karthikeyan, Kee Long, Nan Bun, etc. Khee Peng is the real captain and figure head. My role is that of a sergeant.
 I want to express a big Thank You to the ECE Management for their support and encouragements besides the other goodies like T-shirt, lunch and drinks.