On Saturday 21st September, Shadwell Dragons, proudly representing the Bengali community, achieved a remarkable 3rd place finish in the S14 Men’s 200m Grand Final at the British Dragon Boat Association (BDA) National Finals held at the UK National Watersports Centre, Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham. Competing against some of the most experienced Premiership teams in the country, Shadwell Dragons delivered an inspiring performance that marks a significant milestone for the team and the communities they represent.

Facing fierce competition in a weekend of fast-paced, high-stakes racing, Shadwell Dragons showcased exceptional teamwork, skill, and resilience. The final race was decided by a fraction of a second, with Shadwell Dragons crossing the line just milliseconds behind the leaders, securing a podium finish in a thrilling photo-finish.

Speaking after the event, a spokesperson for Shadwell Dragons said:

“This result is a huge achievement for us. Competing at this level against teams at the top of the league for years is no easy task, but our team gave it everything. It’s a testament to the dedication, training, and community spirit behind Shadwell Dragons. We are proud to have put our Bengali community on the national stage of this sport.

“It was a proud moment too as our youth talent, Shadwell Juniors Team, participated in the mixed race combining their abilities with mixed crews from across the UK within the under 18 categories. The team’s success comes on the back of months of intensive training, race strategy planning, and logistical preparations. With the National Finals taking place at an Olympic-standard venue, the competition was of the highest calibre, but Shadwell Dragons demonstrated that they are more than capable of holding their own.”

Shadwell Dragons’ participation in the event also highlights the growing interest and passion for dragon boat racing within the community. Events such as the annual Al Noor Boat Race and the Charity Boat Race by Gift of Knowledge have helped drive enthusiasm for the sport, inspiring new athletes to get involved.

The 3rd place finish in the Grand Final reflects the growing ambition of the team and sets a strong foundation for future competitions.

For more information on Shadwell Dragons or to inquire about joining the team, please visit; shadwelldragons.com

Shadwell Dragons is a community club dragon boat racing team representing the Bengali community in the UK. The team competes at the highest levels of the sport, participating in events sanctioned by the British Dragon Boat Association (BDA). Through their passion for the sport, they aim to inspire the next generation of athletes while fostering community pride and engagement.

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