Fanning the flames

Fanning the flames

Georgina fans the Docklands flames

Every evening, people in Docklands can spot Georgina Wakim and her dragon boat team practise in the beautiful water.

“I’ve been the captain for the Melbourne Flames for about four years now and we’re based just behind the library,” Georgina said when we met up on a sunny day by the waterside.

She was all smiles in the warm weather as she perched next to me in her dragon boat gear.

“My favourite thing about dragon boating is that it is the ultimate team sport. It teaches life skills, working as part of a team and team ethics. I also like the fact that it is a sport which is very community based,” Georgina explained with passion when I asked her about the sport.

Although she lives in Northcote, she is in Docklands every day. Not only is she part of the Melbourne Flames’ practise every night, she is currently working on a vessel around Docklands in the mornings.

“The amazing thing about Docklands is how it possesses the ability to present itself differently every day. I love being surrounded by the water on all sides and, combined with the open spaces, Docklands is one of the best places in Melbourne. If there was one thing I could change, it would be me moving here,” she laughed.

Currently the Melbourne Flames is the number one premier club in Australia and Serghei Cucsa, who also coaches the Auroras Australian dragon boat team, is their coach. However, he is not the only representative for Australia.

“I was the captain for two campaigns for the Auroras, as well as vice-captain for one. Being part of taking the team from strength to strength has been a huge achievement for me,” Georgina said with pride in her voice.

Not only are both Georgina and her brothers involved in dragon boating, it has now become a full family affair with her son now also competing.

“It is really a sport that caters for all ages, and it promotes unity,” she finished.

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