Canberra Paddlers Race for Resilience
Sailors and officers in Canberra have put Navy’s Resilience Plan into practice, by teaming up for dragon boat racing on Lake Burley Griffin.
The event was organised by the New Generation Navy program team as an opportunity to build teamwork and fitness in a relaxed environment.
Among the 32 paddlers who signed up were Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Tim Barrett and Deputy Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Michael Noonan, who enjoyed the fierce but friendly competition.
The paddlers were drawn from a wide range of areas and each varied in experience, and it was local unit, Australia's Federation Guard’s Petty Officer Maritime Logistics - Support Operations Sonia Leon Sepulveda’s second dragon boating experience.
She said the practice session provided the chance for each member to take a welcome break from their normal work routine.
"Dragon boating is a sport that requires a group of people to work as a team to reach the finish line," Petty Officer Leon Sepulveda said.
"So you need to have mutual trust and work together to achieve that goal."
As the session progressed, everyone involved found their resilience was tested, but even the fitter members of the group were physically challenged.