Rookie Awards for Dragons Abreast Canberra

• The Rookie Awards was an initiative of the 2017-2018 Committee, and it was planned for these awards be awarded annually at "GoAnna's Gatherings"
• There are 2 awards – One a dragon statuette donated by Robyn Chen, and one a wooden paddle donated by Megan Dennis. 
• The Rookie award is presented to a paddler who has joined Dragons Abreast Canberra in the preceding paddling season from September to September.
• The awards to be decided and presented by the Come and Try team. 
• The criteria for the award included that the Rookie paddler has:
  * Adhered to the principles and philosophies of DAA.
  * Strived to learn the required skills to be an effective paddler 
  * Showed improvement in paddling skills over the year 
  * Strived to improve personal fitness
  * Showed persistence in attending as many training sessions and regattas as personal circumstances permit
  * Participated and volunteered in team events both on and off water.

The Rookie Awards for 2023 were announced at the DAC Christmas Party on December 3 2023.
Congratulations to both Carol McAlwee/Kim Tito (citations).

Kate Reid and Sugar Masangcay presented the Rookie Award wooden paddle and dragon statuette
to joint recipients Carol McAlwee and Kim Tito, DAC Christmas Party 2 December 2023.
Coach Donna Lennon read the citations. Image: Kerrie Griffin.