Jasim Aldoseri has had a busy summer! The alumnus is spending his summer break learning dragon boat racing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding to reconnect with his Bahraini heritage. In July, Jasim joined a dragon boat team sponsored by the Bahrain Rowing and Canoe Centre (BRCC). BRCC is an association with teams for rowing, canoeing and dragon boating. BRCC is a home for amateur and elite athletes to learn, compete, and build an inclusive community to reconnect with Bahrain’s maritime history. 

Jasim practices for an hour twice a week for an hour on the boat. Jasim did not have any experience beforehand with the sport, but he learned the techniques and skills needed to paddle the canoe. He attended sessions with the team twice a week. “Since I arrived back in Bahrain, I always wanted to view Bahrain from a tourist’s perspective. Amid the pandemic, I found a niche that fits my interests but also takes all COVID-19 precautions. It made me appreciate my home country even more! Hopefully, when things get better, we’ll begin racing other teams.”   

Jasim Aldoseri (YES 2019–2020, Bahrain, placed by PAX in Jefferson County, WV)