The Dniester under the rule of "dragons": dragon boat regatta in Tiraspol

The coxswain and 10 rowers, a mandatory condition – 4 women in the team, a distance of 320 meters ahead, about 150 strokes of the oar, a sea of emotions and adrenaline. So for the second time the regatta "The President's Family for Healthy Lifestyle" in dragon boat rowing started. Dragon boat regatta was held in Bendery last year for the first time in Pridnestrovie, now Tiraspol has hosted the participants. This season, teams from power and civil ministries and departments, organizations and student groups compete for the championship. 41 teams in 4 subgroups, more than 500 people in total.

The history of dragon racing dates back to ancient China, where dragon racing was part of the ceremonial festivities. They have become a modern sport that combines elements of culture, physical endurance and teamwork over time. The name "dragon boat" or simply "dragon" comes from a special type of canoe boats, decorated with images and heads of dragons. dragon boat racing is popular all over the world, this sport has millions of its admirers, now in Pridnestrovie.

Demonstration swim of rowing veterans took place, on a large 20-seater boat with fire and smoke, as befits a real dragon before the start of the races.

The team of the parliament includes employees of the Office of the Supreme Council and deputies of the Youth Parliament. This is already a well-coordinated team, behind a week of training and a common will to win. A warm-up is required before going out on the water.

The team of the Supreme Council conducted hard training for several weeks, spending all their free time on the water. Worked out strength exercises and developed endurance. The rowers had to learn how to work in a single team, because this is the key to victory, of course.

The parliamentary boat entered the first start together with the team of the Presidential Administration, the winner of last year's regatta. The result of the race is 1 minute 27.81 seconds, the selection is passed, and the team of the parliament make it to the 1/8 finals. Elimination race will be further competitions according to the Olympic system. The second race is paired with the leader of the subgroup of civil ministries and departments, the team of the Ministry of Health. The deputies of the Youth Parliament did not give up until the last second, but still lost the championship.

The intensity of emotions was felt on the shore, the fans did their best, supporting their teams with cheerful chants, applause and drumming. On the Tiraspol beach, all the conditions were created for the spectators – comfortable stands and a field kitchen, trays with pastries and water, musical numbers in between races.

Tomorrow is the second day of "The President's Family for Healthy Lifestyle" regatta – semi-finals and finals, where the winners of their subgroups will fight for the regatta super cup. The team of the Supreme Council of the PMR will cheer for the leaders of the "The President's Family for Healthy Lifestyle" regatta.