31/12/2020
"Summing up 2020 "
What a year 2020 has been. We could say one of the most challenging so far. COVID - 19 pandemic has brought us so much difficulty and loss.
We are not spared. We have teammates that were greatly affected. Some chose to stay positive and fight back. While some had to decide to go back home and be with their families. Most of us waited and endured.
For our safety, we did not resume trainings and had to follow protocols from the UAE government. As per our organizer, no trainings and races set for the year. But we have to maintain our team and our boat. We did cleaning sessions. The last one was on December 11, 2020. Unfortunately, just two weeks later, our boat was reported missing. Sharjah Municipality had a clean up drive and we were not exempted.
Our officers had a meeting and discussed strategies on how to retrieve our boat. For 3 days, we kept in communication with Sharjah Municipality and the head of the City Cleanliness department. We were sent to check 4 impound centers (Industrial Areas 11 & 12, Lebsah and Buhaira) where they could have stored our boat but to no avail.
We sought the help of the following:
Mr. Ahmed Al Hosaini--SHARJAH IMC Executive Director
Mr. Aaref Al Haranki--RAK IMC Manager and SARF Board Member
Mr. Ali Hassan Abdulla--Owner of MAGELLAN MARINE TRIPS
We are grateful to have their full support and assistance.
We are fortunate to have some information from:
Mr. Geoffrey-- MARYAM SALES CENTER security
Subin-- Senior Drakon paddler
PADDLE TRIBE team
And now we have our boat back.
As we enter 2021, we look forward to a brighter and stronger year ahead. Letβs not let our guards down. We thank each and every member who are still with the team and believe in our core values. All of you played an important role in keeping our legacy alive. Let us all be inspiring greatness!
Have a great 2021!