Robusters Rise to the Challenge
By Contributor
Your local dragon boat team, the Kootenay Robusters, recently took part in the ATB Financial Lethbridge Rotary Dragon Boat Festival, held at Henderson Lake in Lethbridge from June 26-28, 2015. Travelling from Grand Forks, Christina Lake, Castlegar, Trail and Rossland, the team arrived Friday evening in time for a final practice. The festival organizers had provided newer dragon boats called Elementals and, after a few tippy moments, the team got used to the different feel and quick response these boats provide.
Saturday saw the team compete in two heats in the women’s category (open to all women) as well as the special race for breast cancer survivors only. For that race, the Kootenay Robusters, who were travelling with only 14 survivors, combined with the Cranbrook team, Abreast in the Rockies, to form a new group, Kootenay Abreast, completing the roster of 20 paddlers.
Despite never having paddled together before, the amalgamated team won gold in the survivor race and took the C Cup, donated especially for this race. Afterwards, all survivors took part in a moving “Rose Ceremony” plucking the petals from roses and setting them adrift in the waters of the lake, to remember loved ones who have been stricken with cancer.
Thanks to a strong effort on the first day of the festival, the Robusters earned the right to compete in the A finals on Sunday. Dragon boat placements at this festival were decided on by the times posted on the first day – so the women’s teams were sorted into three levels: A, B and C. Pitted against the fastest teams at the festival, the Robusters placed fourth in the semi final and then streaked to first place in their final race of the day – the A consolation round. This win meant they placed fifth out of the 21 women’s teams competing.
The team was thrilled with the excellent result and the fact that they had been able to put together some races that showed what they were capable of achieving. As one member put it, “When most people look at us they see a quiet team with some gray hair and perhaps a few extra pounds. When our coach (Trish Ostlund) looks at us, all she sees is raw potential – with no limitations that can’t be managed as long as we work together.”
This may account for some of the amazed looks from the younger, stronger teams as they cross the finish line behind the Robusters. It’s something we love to see.
We also just found out that we were named the “best dressed team” and got a $250 cash prize. We wondered if it was because we were able to fit such a wide variety of body types into the same uniform.
If this team sounds like something you’d like to get involved in, all women are welcome. For more information visit our website: www.kootenayrobusters.com or call 250-362-5289.
