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The Galley Girls dragon boat crew was formed in 2006, stemming from a mixed men's/women's crew known as the Galley Slaves: due to our unfaltering commitment and perseverance, our crew has continued to improve and we are now known in the community as a top performing women's crew.
During the 2010 season, the Galley Girls attended the Club Crew World Championships in Macau, China! For our first trip to "Worlds" the team was very pleased with our results of 5th in the 2000m, 7th in the 200m and an incredible 4th in the 500m!
The Galley Girls are known at the festivals not only for our athletic endeavours, but also for our enthusiasm, sportsmanship and team spirit. This has provided us with exposure in radio interviews, newspapers, a portrait with Six String Nation, and numerous appearances on local TV shows.
Captain Jo: Has been involved in the sport of dragon boat for more than 15 years and shows no signs of slowing down. As soon as the paddle hit the water she knew there had to be more. From a co-ed recreational team to a competitive one, she finally found her place as right stroke and Captain of the Galley Girls! Captain Jo only has one gear FULL SPEED AHEAD, POWER ALL THE WAY When she’s not on the water you can be sure to find her lifting weights, managing her sales team or travelling in search of sun. One thing is for sure there’s always an adventure waiting to happen and she is the gal to find it! Caroline: After retiring from equestrian competitions, Caroline was looking for something to satisfy her competitive spirit. She instantly fell in love with the sport of dragon boating. Having started out as a spare for the Galley Girls in 2008, she is thrilled to be a full-time member of this enthusiastic crew. In between working as a clinical research co-ordinator at the Ottawa Cancer Centre and dragon boating, Caroline still finds time to ride her horse Eeyore several times a week.
Christine: I've always been active in a variety of sports, but dragon boating has found a special place in my life. An outdoor person at heart, being on the water, training and competing is all so very exciting, but there is much more. Working as a team toward common goals has solidified so many special friendships on and off the water. The support from family and friends has been overwhelming. Dragon boating is a constant and positive source of energy for me. I am thankful to be part of this special team.
Christine (aka MJ): An avid whitewater canoeist, Christine was invited by a friend to try dragon boating six years ago. She took part in the Ottawa festival, quickly fell in love with the sport and has been a dragon boat fanatic ever since. This is her first season with a women's crew, and she is looking forward to it ... big time!
Connie: Started dragon boating in 2001. She continues to fit in practices and festival schedules around many other activities including working fulltime as a biologist, kayaking, yoga, singing in a choir, and hanging out with her two parrots, Jack and Pip. Diane: Diane joined the Galley Girls as a full member in 2008 and enjoys the fun, competitive and outgoing spirit of the team. Always having a tough time sitting still, she loves to keep herself moving at the dance studio, travelling with friends and family, and seeking out the new adventures that life provides.
Emilie: A scientist by day and an athlete by night. She has been dragon boat paddling for six years, and has recently joined the Galley Girls crew. Her competitive nature and high personal standards push her to always give her all, on and off the water!
Gina: Gina was a bit anxious when asked to consider becoming a dragon boater. She had never held a paddle before, was not a water person, but loves the outdoors and being part of a team. Most people are surprised when they learn she is a doctor. When she applied the “see one, do one, teach one” creed of medicine to her paddle, she was able conquer her fear of being on the water. In the off season, she enjoys running and cardio-kickboxing. She may be small, but you wouldn’t want to run into her in a dark alley. (Just kidding) Heidi: ATTENTION PLEASE......GO! Heidi a longtime athlete took her first seat in a dragon boat in 1998. A weekend of fun, sun and temporary tattoo's became a lifelong passion and commitment. What keeps her coming back is the team work. Twenty paddlers, synchronized, strong, all in it for the same rush of energy, all in to cross the finish line, all in to win! Heidi spent many years enjoying the sport and now it's time to live it. In 2006, she joined the OPS Blue Dragons a mixed power house crew that took no prisoners. Today, she's up for an even greater challenge...a fierce all woman crew...The Galley Girls.
Holly: A sports fanatic at heart; willing to try any sport once. Yet the dragon boat bug bit and hosted itself, now going on nine years! To complement her paddling, she can often be found in her kayak taking in the scenery of Ottawa. Technical writing and small project management seem to take up her daytime hours; however she continues to push legislation for a three-day work week. Leslie: Since 2002, Leslie has loved every minute of paddling on Mooney’s Bay. In 2005, she was introduced to the Galley Girls and instantly connected with their enthusiasm and dedication for all things dragon boat. A fan of many outdoor sports, Leslie enjoys checking out Ottawa’s vibrant music scene and arts and culture festivals.
Lucie: A Galley Girl since 2008, Lucie enjoys the fun, enthusiastic and competitive spirit of this team. She is the proud and busy Mom of two young children. When not on the water, you can find Lucie and her hubby running to soccer, dance, lacrosse, golf, hockey, baseball - an active family always on the go.
Micheline (or Michie): Feeling the rush of a dragon boat surging towards the finish was the bug that bit her for the first time over 5 years ago. Everything is planned around the hectic GALLEY GIRLS calendar, pregnancies, weddings and work! A big advocate of women in sports it was a no brainer for her when the girls decided to drop the guys and become the GALLEY GIRLSS instead of the Galley Slaves! You are sure to hear her voice from far, when she says ‘LISTEN UP’ everyone knows it’s time for the GALLEY GIRLS cheer! Roberta: Started dragon boating about seven years ago with a mixed team but is now enjoying the friendships and atmosphere of an all women's team. While not in the boat paddling she has set a goal to travel to as many places in the world as possible.
Shannon: Has been dragon boating off and on for the past ten years and is so happy she found the Galley Girls when she moved back to Ottawa in 2008! Shannon is an engineer by profession and enjoys the tough workouts on the beautiful Rideau River as a way to let off steam. Suzie: Also known as little peanut, was not the healthiest of the Galley Girls. Pessimistic, afraid of hard work and exercise, she was pushed into dragon boat to try something new. Who knew this sport would be life transforming. Three years have zipped by and she is now a non-smoking, gym hitting, and dragon boating fanatic!
Dragon boat racing is one of the fastest growing sports in terms of both team participation and spectator involvement, therefore the festivals enjoy an unprecedented level of community exposure. There is a focus on family involvement, fundraising for area charities, and multicultural events. The Galley Girls participate in several community events and invitational races in the area. www.idbf.org |
Getting ready to race!
Rideau Canoe Club:
International Dragon Boat Federation:
22 Dragons Club of Montreal: |
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A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
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| Copyright 2009 Galley Girls Dragon Boat Crew. All rights reserved. All logos and products mentioned are property of their respective companies and organizations. Designed by Cityboy Graphic Media. | |||||||
