In 1983, the country of Singapore presented the City of San Diego, California, USA, with three fiberglass Dragon Boats. The Boats bare the individual names of San Diego, Singapore, and Singapore Airline. In accepting the gift, the Pacific-Asia Travel Association (PATA) organized the first official Dragon Boat race in San Diego. Two of the lead organizers were, Helen Pain and Paul Tentschert. Several months went into the planning for the event and hundreds of volunteers participated. The result was a well organized and enjoyable event for the competitors and the spectators.

*** Click here to see a video of the San Diego Dragon Boat Team ***

The Singapore National Team

Thirteen local teams competed to determine the right to challenge the Singapore National Team. Among the competitors were teams from the Navy, the Marines, and Hawaiian outrigger paddlers. The surprising local winners were the Hawaiian outrigger team called "Hano, Hano". This team went on to compete against the Singapore National Team.

First time out in Dragon Boat Racing, the Hano Hano team soundly defeated the Singapore team. The reward for the win was a free trip for the entire team to travel to Singapore the following year, 1994, to compete against the world.

(Note: Ms. Helen Pain passed away in early October 1998 after a twenty plus year struggle with cancer. She is missed by all who have known her. This editor will miss her energy, courage, dedication, and kindness.)