Left to right - Ella Veilleux, Sierra Smith, Bobby Zhao, Kylie Marshall, Madison Kisinger. (Photo: Dragonboat Association of Southern Alberta)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge dragonboaters make national team

May 16, 2025 | 8:48 AM

A group of local paddlers will represent Canada at international competitions.

The Dragonboat Association of Southern Alberta (DASA) has announced that six people have earned spots on the 18U and 24U National Dragon Boat Teams.

The 18U team will feature Ella Veilleux, Sierra Smith, Bobby Zhao, Kylie Marshall, and Madison Kisinger. Mia Chalmet, who is also the DASA Youth Director, will compete with the 24U National squad.

Veilleux, Smith and Chalmet will compete at the IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships for the second time, previously taking part in the 2023 championships in Thailand.

Karen Johnson states, “As their coach, I couldn’t be more proud! Remember: ‘It’s not about building the perfect athlete – it’s about building a confident, resilient human who happens to paddle.’ I know that they will keep striving, stay confident, and never forget the power of perseverance!”

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The six competitors went through a rigorous 10-month selection cycle.

DASA says in a media release that each of the locals has shown remarkable growth and confidence.

The paddlers will compete in 200 meter, 500 meter, 1,000 metre and 2,000 meter races at the event, being held in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany, from July 16-20, 2025.

Updates on the competition will be posted to Lethbridgedasa.ca

Left to right – Ella Veilleux, Sierra Smith, Bobby Zhao, Kylie Marshall, Madison Kisinger. (Photo: Dragonboat Association of Southern Alberta)

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