Sunday, April 13th, was another action-packed day for the Desert Falcons and their corporate team name, Damen Dragons, as they took on not one—but two race categories—at the MENA+ IDBF Club Crew Championship 2025! The team returned to Sharjah’s scenic waterfront wearing their blue and orange jerseys, ready to finish the race weekend strong.
💙 Kicking Off with the Community Cup
Call time: 9:30 AM sharp.
Steerer: The ever-cool and dependable Coach Lemon Jhack.
Race Manager: None other than the ever-reliable Lambert.
The team gathered early for briefings, warm-ups, and team huddles. Everyone knew this would be a big moment. Competing under the Damen Dragons name, our paddlers lined up for Heat 3 of the Community Cup, ready to show heart and hustle.
🔥 Heat 3 Result:
- 🥇 1st – Immanuel Boat Club – 00:57.54
- 🥈 2nd – Damen Dragons – 01:00.19
- 🥉 3rd – Daman Dragons – 01:00.43
Though the heat was tight, our team fought stroke for stroke and secured a place in the Community Cup Final B.
🏁 Final B: Community Cup 200M
After a short break, it was back to the water for the Community Cup Final B at 3:46 PM. Everyone brought their A-game, and the energy was electric.
🏆 Final B Results:
- 🥇 Emsteel – 00:52.32
- 🥈 DP World GCC 2 – 00:54.11
- 🥉 Damen Dragons – 00:54.12
Talk about a photo finish! We missed 2nd place by just 0.01 seconds. But hey, a podium finish is still a win—and it’s another medal for the team to be proud of.
🧡 Corporate Cup Grand Finale
The final showdown of the day came at 4:14 PM in the Corporate Cup 200M Final. This was it—the last race of the weekend. With 16 male and 4 female paddlers max allowed, the Damen Dragons lined up once again with 5 female paddlers.
📊 Final Results – Corporate Cup 200M:
- 🥇 Qatar Airways Aero Dragons – 00:49.17
- 🥈 Emirates Airlines – 00:49.36
- 🥉 Emsteel – 00:49.47
- 4️⃣ Damen Dragons – 00:50.09
Although we didn’t take home a medal in the Corporate Final, our time shows just how competitive the team was. Less than a second separated us from the top three teams!
💬 Race Day Reflection
Our race weekend wasn’t just about times and trophies—it was about heart, grit, and the unbreakable bond that makes Desert Falcons a true team.
Race Manager Lambert captured the emotion perfectly:
“What a fantastic race and a set of accomplishments we can all be proud of. Even though we missed the podium in some categories, the pride and smiles we wore say it all—undeniable and well-deserved!”
Our beloved Coach Alain, who couldn’t join due to work, sent a message that truly uplifted the team:
“Team, whoever paddled—and for all the crew in yesterday and today’s races—you are all winners. Not by the organizers, but because you all did great. We may not be the favored team by them, and that’s OK. For me, you are all winners. 🎉👍👏💪 Congratulations, everyone!”
And from our ever-inspiring Captain Intan, tuning in from abroad:
“We are a strong team. Least favored, but we are tough fighters!!! No one can bring us downnnnn!”
Their words reminded every paddler that victory is more than a medal—it’s the teamwork, passion, and fight we bring to every stroke.
Desert Falcons don’t just race. We rise together. 💚🧡💙
🥇 Relive the Action!
If you missed the Day 2 highlight, read it here:
👉 Desert Falcons UAE Division Race: Power, Pride & Podium Push
🚀 What’s Next?
Every race brings us closer as a team. With the Sharjah weekend now wrapped, it’s time to regroup, train harder, and prepare for the next big challenge.
📣 Want to join the Falcons or cheer us on?
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