Dragon boat racing
GB selection for ace Phoenix trio

Buy photos » Pictured are Dave Cole, Jonathan Small, Alan Parfrey and Andrew Forrest. (s)

PERSHORE Phoenix Dragon Boat Club paddlers Dave Cole, Andrew Forrest and Jonathan Small have been selected for the Great Britain seniors dragon boat racing team following recent time trials.

The trio will compete in the European Championships in Nottingham in July and Forrest, the Phoenix team captain, said: “We are delighted and honoured to represent our country and look forward to the challenge ahead.”

This follows a fantastic start to the racing season as Pershore Phoenix sit top of the BDA Standard League after round two, having not only achieved their fastest 200m race time ever, but also defeated a few Premier Division teams to boot.

GB seniors coach, Alan Parfrey, said: “Their gruelling training regime has paid off and they have been rewarded for their hard work, commitment, discipline and determination.

“It is a fantastic achievement for a small club that three paddlers have made it into a national team.”

MEANWHILE, on Sunday, September 16 Pershore Phoenix Dragon Boat Club will host a charity dragon boat racing event in aid of Acorns Children’s Hospice, featuring fun for all the family as part of West Midlands Community Games.

This initiative provides an opportunity to unite the community in sporting and cultural activities to mark the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Please come along and rise to the challenge and recruit your friends and colleagues for a great day out in aid of this worthy cause.

For more details about the Pershore-based event contact Sonya Wilkinson on 07899 898404, whilst you can also visit www.dragonboating.org.uk.

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