Beyond the individual, it is only when all the athletes on board move in unison that a dragon boat is at its fastest. Similarly, it is the collective strength of each and every soldier that makes Our Army ready.
The fourth iteration of the Army’s Dragon Boat Regatta saw around 1,200 soldiers from 42 teams paddling their hearts out on 20 April, at Marina Bay Reservoir near the Passion Wave Building, as teams battled for the coveted title of champion in either the “Shark” or “Orca” category. The pressure was on 10th Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence Battalion (10 C4I Bn) and Headquarters 9th Singapore Division/ Infantry as they looked to defend their title, both 2-time champions of the “Shark” and “Orca” categories respectively.
One could tell this competition was not taken lightly by any team. Even when teams weren’t heard practising the timing of their strokes and rows, they were seen doing pep talks, cheers or warm-ups. Most teams found a way to train for the competition on weekdays on top of their training in camp, with some even training “in secret” on weekends.
The Commandos put on a dominant display, winning both categories. HQ Commando reclaimed their title in the “Orca” category while 1st Commando Battalion also did so in the “Shark” category, besting 10 C4I Bn’s timing by 0.185 seconds in a nail-biting finish.
More than just a chance to compete, the Army Dragon Boat Regatta serves as a platform for our soldiers to build their fitness and endurance as well as strengthen their teamwork and cohesion within teams. On top of that with soldiers from different formations, battalions and units coming together, it reminds us that while the Army is made up of many separate entities, we are, at the end of the day, one big family.
