On June 20, 2019 Nothin' Dragon Masters captain, Daniel Strain was inducted posthumously to the Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place at the Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex.
The Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame committee states that their Hall of Fame" “welcomes a superb class of inductees from a variety of sports – names synonymous with perseverance and commitment.” Dan was inducted for ‘Multi Sport,’ but was the first inductee for the sport of dragon boating.
Earlier in 2019 the Inlet Spring Regatta held on April 27 was dedicated to his memory. Dan was a founding member of the regatta's host team and organizers, the Nothin’ Dragon Masters and held the captain’s position for many years. Dan’s family attended the opening ceremony, and Dan’s son, Kenny Strain provided words which can be read in entirely HERE., stating, “He would be so proud for the honour and also of all of you racing in his memory today. He was very proud to be a member of this team and to take on leadership roles like team captain or dry-land training coach and steersperson. It invigorated him to know you were all working together towards a common goal and the spin-off effects are physical fitness, well-being, a sense of belonging, and most of all friendship.”
Opening the morning was guest speaker, Carleen Thomas of Tsleil-Waututh Nation who offered poignant words of welcome touching on the spirit of the eagle, which seemed quite appropriate as the team cherishes the photo below taken of Dan sitting in the coach boat before one of his last dragon boat trainings.
Read Dan’s obituary in the Vancouver Sun HERE.
The Poirier Sport & Leisure Complex, home of the Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame
