CEBU, PHILIPPINES — September 3, 2026 — The PADS Adaptive Dragon Boat Racing Team from Cebu is making a strong comeback on the international stage after securing back-to-back gold medals at the 15th IDBF Club Crew World Championships in Hualien, Taiwan.
PADS captured gold in both the PD2 Small Boat 200-meter and PD2 Standard Boat 200-meter races, bringing the team’s current medal tally to three gold medals and one silver medal.
The latest victories highlight the team’s continued dedication, teamwork, and months of preparation leading up to the world championships.
With the competition still ongoing, PADS is set to compete in the PD1 Standard Boat 200-meter category, followed by the 2,000-meter races in the coming days. The championships run from September 1 to 7, 2026.
A Comeback to the World Stage
PADS’ performance in Taiwan marks a significant comeback for the team after missing the 2024 and 2025 World Championships due to logistical challenges.
Founded in Cebu in 2016 by disability rights advocate JP Maunes, the PADS Dragon Boat Team was established to promote inclusion and provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to compete in sport at the highest level.
The team is an inclusive dragon boat racing group composed of athletes from different backgrounds, with the majority being persons with disabilities (PWDs). Through dragon boat racing, PADS continues to demonstrate that athletes with disabilities can compete alongside athletes without disabilities through dedication, discipline, and teamwork.
As the competition continues in Taiwan, PADS remains focused on representing Cebu and the Philippines with pride and determination.
3 GOLD. 1 SILVER. AND THE BATTLE CONTINUES.
PADAYON, PADS! 🇵🇭
About PADS Adaptive Dragon Boat Racing Team
The PADS Adaptive Dragon Boat Racing Team is a Cebu-based inclusive dragon boat racing team founded in 2016 by disability rights advocate JP Maunes. The team promotes inclusion through sport and provides opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in competitive dragon boat racing alongside athletes without disabilities.
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