The Philippine Army Dragon Warriors welcomed the “Year of the Rabbit” with a bang after dominating the Mayor’s Cup Spring Festival Dragon Boat Race on Jan. 21-22 at the Cagayan de Oro River.

The Army paddlers ruled the 1,000-meter Catch the Rabbit Tail Standard Mixed Crew, 300-meter Standard Mixed Crew and the 300-meter Standard Open Crew categories of the tournament which was part of the city’s activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

A total of 636 paddlers from 17 elite teams all over the country participated in Cagayan de Oro’s largest dragon boat race.

The Philippine Army Dragon Warriors have dominated local races since 2010.

They brought home gold medals during the International Dragon Boat Federation-sanctioned World Dragon Boat Championships in Italy (2014) and Australia (2016). (PNA)