By Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Staff

There’s a hot new Dragon Boat Team in town and you might want to keep an eye on them in the future.

An enthusiastic group of Livingston Fellows, inspired by Erin Yoshimura, Executive Director of the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival and 2014 Livingston Fellow, showed great determination on July 19 when they competed in their first Dragon Boat Races in Denver’s Sloan’s Lake Park.

Thanks to the dedicated organizational efforts of Malik Robinson, 2015 Fellow and Executive Director of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Company, the team was organized, outfitted in spiffy team t-shirts, and held three practice sessions before the big day. At the races, the team entered in the Hong Kong style competition, in which four boats compete against each other in a series of heats. There are also Taiwan-style “flag-catching” races, in which two boats compete in races where the goal is to grab a flag at the finish line.

The Bonfils-Stanton Foundation sponsored team – nicknamed the “Thrilla’ Flotilla” in a reference to the “Thrilla in Manilla” fight between Mohammed Ali and Joe Frazier – was up against many veteran teams that have been competing for numerous years. After coming in 3rd in their first race, where they found their rhythm about half-way through the race, they hit their stride in the third and final race, winning their heat!

Everyone had a great time and it was an excellent team-building and bonding experience. Many brought friends and family, creating an enthusiastic cheering section. Competing Fellows, in addition to Malik, included Teva Sienicki (Class of 2015), Lisa Brown (Class of 2014), Sharon Knight (Class of 2012), Tony Garcia (Class of 2011), and Rachel Basye (Class of 2015). The team was filled out with friends and colleagues of the Fellows, as well as Tony’s grandson! Bonfils President, Gary Steuer, was poised to fill in and paddle if needed, but in the end got a reprieve.

All agreed it was a blast and a great opportunity to build deeper bonds with other Fellows. Everyone looks forward to next year’s competition – so watch out!