"The team ethos revolved around hard working family men doing their best, but not to the detriment of family life" |
The 'Tai Tam Tigers' were formed in 1999 by Michael Lamb, when a group of residents from the Tai Tam area of Hong Kong Island decided to enter a team in the Stanley Dragon Boat Festival. The team ethos revolved around hard working family men doing their best, but not to the detriment of family life. I believe that this ethos survives today.
Under the leadership of Tim Chillington, successive years provided ever improving results with 2007 bringing the best ever result for the 'Tigers', with a 3rd place in the Stanley Expat Cup. Over the years the Tai Tam Tigers have entered ladies and mixed teams, with the 2007 mixed team performing exceptionally well with a spot in the Mixed Plate Final. The 'Tigers' now enter 4 race days each season with ever improving results, but always with an eye on our local race, the Stanley Expat mens trophy.
With the help of our sponsors, 2008 will again see the 'Tigers' enter the Stanley Warm Up Races, Lamma International Dragon Boat Festival, Deep Water Bay 500m and our local race, the Stanley international Championships. Our thanks go to Friends Provident International, The Henley Group, Wildfire and the Boathouse.
An added accolade in the 2007 Stanley International Championships was winning the 'Best Team Spirit Of The Year' award. We are particularly proud of this award and feel that it reflects our efforts with family days throughout the paddling season, great sportsmanship and friendly rivalry with other expat and local teams, and a very satisfying charitable contribution to the Hong Kong Sea School at Stanley.
The 2008 Tigers squad is the usual mix of experienced paddlers, and people new to Hong Kong and Dragon Boating. The training (and socializing) is well under way, and the Tigers are looking forward to another great year of fun, friendship and ever larger trophies.
Roger Holmes - Team Captain
Tai Tam Tigers