Georgia Military College students and staff participated in the 2015 Dragon Boat Races in Uptown Columbus on May 09, 2015. The boat was full and the bulldogs rowed hard under the hot day’s sun, learning about teamwork and community along the way. This was GMC’s second time participating in the race, and it was organized for the first time this year by Sarah Chambers, GMC’s Recruitment Coordinator.

GMC’s tent was pitched along a stretch of the Riverwalk, where the community of Columbus had gathered to celebrate Riverfest. The team, known as Team Doggie Paddle, was able to improve their time in each heat. A goal was set the previous year to continue to be involved in community events such as this one, and the students and staff in attendance proved the college’s commitment to doing just that.

Sarah called the race a “fantastic experience,” and commented that, “Participating in community events, such as the river fest dragon boat race, is beneficial because it helps foster a sense of camaraderie between the students that goes beyond the classroom.” Finally, her favorite memory from the event was the very end of their last heat. She relayed, “We could hear the crowd cheering from the shore and our team came together, everyone yelling encouragement spontaneously that gave us that last boost of motivation to push to the finish line.”