Noojmowin Teg Dragon Boat team takes top honours at annual event

RAMSEY LAKE—The 2017 Sudbury Dragon Boat Festival was held this past weekend on Ramsey Lake, which raised over $55,000 for Maison McCaulloch Hospice, saw a manitoulin team make good. 

As a novice team led by team captain Nelson Wood, Noojmowin Teg Health Centre’s Wellness Committee organized a team to help support Maison McCaulloch Hospice, which provides an integrated model of palliative care to its residents and bring family members, friends and healthcare professionals together so residents can live their remaining days in dignity and comfort, surrounded by their loved ones.

With a generous sponsorship from the Owen Sound Transportation Company, Noojmowin Teg Health Centre sent 27 members to compete which included representatives from Zhiibaahaasing First Nation, Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation and Wikwemikong Unceded Territory With only one practice five days before competition under their belts, the Noojmowin Teg Health Centre team was going into this competition with hope to stay afloat and to have fun.  

With Cody Leeson setting the tone for the boat as the team’s drummer, Noojmowin Teg Health Centre’s boat powered through three 500 metre races throughout the day. The team’s first heat placed them fourth in the Health Services Division with a time of 2:46:67. Following this race, Noojmowin Teg Health Centre’s paddlers were able to power-up and placed first in their second heat with a time of 2:30:58. Upon entering the third and final race, the team’s energy was high as this race determined divisional champions. For the first 250 metres of the race, Noojmowin Teg Health Centre’s boat was pacing at third place, however with consistent, strong and determined paddling, the team took first place with a time of 2:19:30; just squeaking by second place with a time of 2:19:70.

The team would like to thank the Sudbury Canoe Club for assisting with the coordination, training and steering of the boat.

Donations to Maison McCaulloch Hospice can be made online at www.sudburydragonboats.com or www.maisonsudburyhospice.org