Cobb Resident Makes Dragon Boat World Championship Team

By Morgan House

Did you know that in August of this year, several local youth and adult athletes will be representing the United States in a World Championships event?

In the highly competitive sport of Dragon Boat racing - which is the most popular of paddle sports and second largest activity in the world behind soccer - 11 people from the north Georgia area qualified for and have accepted their selection to the United States National Dragon Boat Team through high-intensity camps and team trials which were held across the country to find the best paddlers. 

More than 10 percent of Team USA comes from northern Georgia.

The following from the Lake Lanier tryouts accepted their position on Team USA:

Anastasia Haack – Gainesville

Anna Crawford – Gainesville

Cannie Ash – Hoschton

Charlie Tilse – Marietta

Chris Miller – Gainesville

Dustin Grattan – Cumming

Jim O’Dell – Gainesville

Laurie Moore – Cumming

Macy Dwyer – Gainesville

Sean Allen – Woodstock

Tyler Martin – Cumming

These 11 athletes range in age from 15 to 53 and will be competing in Junior (18 and under), Senior (19 – 40) and Masters (40 +) divisions at the International Canoe Federation's Dragon Boat World Championships August 28 - 30, 2014. http://www.dragon.kayakpl.com/

Dragon Boat USA is a non-profit, fully volunteered organization. Through the athletes and coaches, no one is paid to train or to travel. Each member of Dragon Boat USA bears the burden of their own travel expenses.

On Sunday, June 22nd from 1:00pm to 5:00pm, there will be a ‘Meet and Greet. Come take a paddle with local Team USA members’ at the Lake Lanier Olympic Center on Clarks Bridge Road.

For a suggested donation of $20.00 per person, Team USA members will share their ability with those wanting to learn about the sport, enhance visitors’ paddling technique, or just take a leisurely 30 minute paddle at the Venue. All funds raised at this event will help offset their travel expenses.

On behalf of Team USA, thank you for your support!