Black Sheep Marines

The Black Sheep Marines formed in January 2012 under the leadership of Marine Gordon Gillis and his wife Christine with the commitment to produce a charitable and winning team that would inspire others to always do their best and never give up, no matter their age or disability.

Our co-ed senior team from The Villages retirement community in central Florida trains with enthusiasm, hard work and discipline that keeps us active, motivated and fit at a time in life when many would never dream of pushing themselves to their maximum abilities and beyond. We are comprised of Marines, Naval personnel and other military services, and non-military paddlers who are dedicated to the sport of dragon boat racing and the charities it supports. We race throughout the state of Florida and the southeastern states with a highly competitive, but fun-loving spirit. Oorah!

Chinese dragons traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water, rainfall, hurricane, and floods. The dragon is also a symbol of power, strength, and good luck.