On Sunday the 11th of November the Mighty Oxford Dragons participated in the Aoraki Dragons Inaugural Dragon Boating School Challenge.

 It is no lie to say that this fine team five weeks ago did not even know what Dragon Boating was!

Watching them grow and develop the skills required to enter the race was one thing, but to see them accomplish two firsts and a second in their heats; against strong developed teams such as St Margarets and Marion Red; leading them to win the Schools Challenge, was absolutely astounding.

The determination and positivity in working hard to achieve precise timing and speed on the water paid off. Coach Mike Robinson commented “The grand final race was out of this world, as coaches said there are aspects that we can’t teach teams; the admiration and respect Oxford had for the other teams and they had for themselves. In every aspect of the word the Mighty Oxford Dragons are a team. They have proved that, and shown the dragon boat community we are here and be prepared to race hard.  Well done OAS. You’ve done me proud as well as the school”.

Thank you so much to the families and friends who supported us during the last five weeks, especially the huge turn out on race day. The fun, relaxed (and noisiest!) atmosphere was contagious.

This team will now look at entering the up and coming season with the aim of South Island Championships in March. If other students are interested in joining us to form a 20 crew boat, please contact the manager of the team by emailing megan@oxford.school.nz.