There are so many factors that make a good team and it would seem that this year we have got it right. We have a good strong crew but we also have many people working behind the scenes 24/7 to help make our club what it is today.
Whilst our club we have made a seamless progression from Charity to National League, and now from Standard Division to Premier Division, there are a few members of our team who keep the wheels of our war machine turning both day and night (as in my case!) A lot of people just turn up and paddle and then go home without a care in the world. What you may not see is what goes on behind the scenes. Remember that these people volunteer to take on huge responsibilities, sacrifice a lot of their own time and often put the team before themselves. These are, of course, our committee and their little helpers, our unsung heroes!
I want to take this opportunity to give them the recognition and credit they deserve:
JC - Head Coach
• Our helm and coach since day 1.
• Since 2006, JC has provided us with free coaching - that is his commitment to us!
• Using his many years of dragon boating experience and his knowledge in personal training, JC has adapted our technique and training over the past 5 seasons to take us up to a Premier Division level!
• This year, JC has arranged 50 Fitness First jackets for the club
I hope we make you proud!
Adrian - Chairman and Assistant Coach
• Despite losing Adrian to BW last year, our club has gained more in return.
• Organise training sessions at BW
• Hiring the BW boat at BDA's
Adrian has provided:
• Typhoon8 and Trivium paddles
• A Champion boat!
• O1 (Adrian is purchasing a 2nd O1 as we speak!)
• This of course wouldn't be possible if we didn't have the money in the first place!
As an organiser, Adrian has coordinated:
• AGM
• SuperTigers
• EoS awards
We really appreciate it!
Kin - Assistant Coach
• A great paddler who leads by example to help further our technique
• Also a helm and coach to put us through our paces
• Very blunt but completely honest and tells us like it is!
• I hope we're not as "Useless" as you first thought!
Andrew - Vice Captain
• Joined TT in our 3rd season in 2005 but caught up with everyone else… very quickly!
• Voted TT Best Male Paddler for the last 2 years running and leads be example at the front of the boat
• As a Vice Captain, Andrew has sent out inspirational emails and led the charge in my absence
• Andrew has so much heart to not only drive himself on but the rest of the team along with him!
• Viceman has been a great motivator… especially with his threats to give us all dead legs if we didn't paddle hard enough!
Jo - Treasurer
• Original member of TT… as a drummer!
• But she really wanted to paddle instead and didn't think she'll be able to compete against the beefcakes on our team! You have most certainly proved yourself!
• She is probably the most proactive person on our team in getting things done
• Our club has always been thousands of pounds in debt, but this year she has kept our accounts in the black!
• It's tough for one person to chase so many people especially when it comes to money! Please make it easy on her and the club.
• With credit, we have been able to spend money effectively to benefit the team, e.g. boat, O1, paddles, TT jackets, BW boat hire, race entry subsidies.
• Our new look with our TT Jackets were the work of Jo
• This EoS dinner probably wouldn't have gone ahead if it wasn't for all her hard work
• Also, Jo organised the dinner at the Nationals within very little time
• And with her notorious scratching, Jo reminds the team to lean!
Dhana - HT Captain
• The driving force behind HT!
• It would have been difficult for anyone to replace Wai but Dhana has done a fantastic job!
• Dhana has managed to break in a boat of newbie’s and take them to the Nationals!
• As a committed member of TT also, instead of comprising her time on either boat, she has put just as much work in on both boats!
• Dhana has come to us at times of needs and offered her best HT paddlers
• Awh! Thanks Dhana!
Out Little Helpers
Phan - Transport and accommodation
Kwok - Web administrator and TT jacket design
Ben - Sponsorship
Wincy - TT jackets and dinner at Nationals
Kalai & Yong-Sum - Dhana's little helpers!
(Sorry if I have missed anyone or anything of the list)
It's sometimes easy to forget how much works goes into making this club what it is but never take it for granted. Please give them the credit they deserve. Next time you see them, give them a pat on the back, maybe even buy them a drink, especially that Captain! =P But stop after 3 pints otherwise they'll be plastered!! =S
By Shun Ping Chan ( Typhoon Capt 2004-2007)