Photo By Sgt. Symira Bostic | The Neuse Winds Freedom Riders, left, and Chesty Pullers, a paddle team comprised of...... read more read more
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The Single Marine Program (SMP) at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point gathered 35 Marines to race in the 12th Annual Dragon Boat Races and Festival in Oriental, North Carolina, Aug. 13, 2022.
Eight teams raced in the festival, which raised money for local charities and non-profit organizations of their choosing, according to the event coordinator. Two of those teams were Marines from Cherry Point – the Neuse Winds Freedom Riders and the Chesty Pullers.
The way dragon boat racing works is 18-20 people paddle a single dragon boat, which are long, narrow watercrafts resembling dragons. Situated at the front of the boat is a drummer, synchronizing the paddles strokes, while a steerer is positioned at the back. This year the teams were sponsored by Dr. John Windrith, a local community member.
“We want to serve our Marines because they serve us, so we raise the money to sponsor a team for them,” said Flora Moorman, event coordinator for the Dragon Boat Races and Festival. “This community loves the Marines, they are always helpful and the first people to volunteer to help others. So, when they’re here, we want them to feel welcomed and loved.”
In Dragon Boat Racing, synchronicity is more important than strength. Teams must learn how to work together in order to move swiftly through the water.
“The races build teamwork and teach the Marines to rely on each other, something that’s really foundational in the Marine Corps,” said Hannah Greiner, an SMP recreation assistant.
SMP offers Marines and Sailors all kinds of opportunities to get involved in local communities.
“It was an awesome opportunity to do something good for the community while also building a stronger relationship with the other Marines,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Gabriel MacIntosh, a student at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training. “I hope to participate next year and see more Marines participate.”
In the end, Neuse Winds Freedom Riders placed first in the Military Division by less than one second.
| Date Taken: | 08.17.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 08.18.2022 12:39 |
| Story ID: | 427438 |
| Location: | CHERRY POINT, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 45 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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