Community Team Member Highlight: Karla Malone and her Dragon Boat Racing Team

How Did You Find Out About Hope For The Warriors®?  I

“I was wandering through the Marine Corps Marathon Expo in 2010 and saw their booth.  The shirt drew me in first, and then when I talked with the Hope For The Warriors® representative at the booth I knew I wanted to be a part of the Team.”

What Inspired You To Join The Team?

“The first thing was being able to give back to the heroes who sacrifice so much to keep us free.  Both my children have served in the military along with my dad and brother. The next thing that drew me in was the athletic program.  My love is to be able to train wounded soldiers to get back into athletics.”

What Has Been You Favorite Thing About Being On The Team So Far?

“Giving back to the veterans.  I love when someone comes up to me and asks me what Hope For The Warriors® is, what it’s about and how they can get involved.” 

Can You Tell Us A little More About Dragon Boat Racing? 

“Dragon boat competitions have been around for 20 centuries throughout southern China. It became an international sport in 1976. A dragon boat is powered by 20 paddlers, and also has a steers person and drummer. Tampa is becoming the hotbed for dragon boat racing. Several camps are held in the spring before the racing season begins.”

Can You Tell Us A Little More About Your Race On April 27th?  
“On April 27th, the dragon boat races are being held in downtown Tampa in conjunction with the Asian festival. It is an all-day event. The first race is for time to determine which division you are in A, B, C, or D.  Each division will have medals for 1, 2 and 3 places.”

How Long Have You Been A Dragon Boat Racer?

“I have been dragon boating for 3 years.”

What Motivates You During Your Races? 

“I love competing, whether it is dragon boating, triathlons, 5K’s or half marathons. I love the physical endurance and pushing each muscle to go a little faster and farther to reach the finish line first. To walk away with the gold medal knowing we worked hard and earned it.”

How Many Members Are On Your Team?

“I have 20 members on the team.”

Do They Each Have Specific Duties On The Boat?

“The boat has the two people in front who are the strokers who set the pace for the other paddlers; the middle of the boat is the engine. Each person is an intricate part of the team. The boat needs to have equal weight on each side of the boat.”

How Can Other Team Members In Your Area Get Involved In Dragon Boat Racing?

“Other team members in Tampa can contact me at malone.karla@gmail.com if they are interested in getting involved. Annual dues are a nominal fee of 115.00.”

Can Other Team Hope For The Warriors® Member Join Your Team?

“Absolutely! We welcome new members and encourage them to keep going.  Anyone is welcome to join the club. You can go to www.tampabaypaddlingclub.com to see more.  It is important to RSVP for a practice because seats fill fast in race season.”