The ICF Dragon Boat World Championship event was another opportunity for Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club paddlers to put their best foot forward, said its coach Jim O’Dell. And the local athletes, 11 total including O’Dell who also took part in the festival in Poznan, Poland, helped the U.S. squad of more than 100 strong bring home the title Sunday in Poland. The dragon boat, a celebration of ancient Chinese tradition, is unique to other paddling with 10 and 20-person steered boats, equipped with a person to sound the drum and another to steer in the rear of the boat.