The International Canoe Federation’s three-day festival of Dragon Boat on the Olympic course at the Canoe Sprint competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games captured the imagination of spectators.
Following its successful presentation at Tokyo 2020, a demonstration of Dragon Boat returned to the Games in Paris.
Rich in tradition and known for its inclusivity, Dragon Boat proved a popular backdrop at the Vaires-sur Marne Nautical Stadium.
Several crews made up of club members and invited guests took part in demonstration races from August 8 to 10. The guest crews included The Pink Ladies, comprising breast cancer survivors.
Representatives from ICF partner BYD including Michael Shu, Managing Director of BYD Europe, China Media Group (CMG), the French Canoe Federation (FFCK) and its President Jean Zougrana and the Chinese Canoe Association (CCA) all played a role in making it a success.
The mini festival concluded with Mr Shu formally presenting the stunning dragon boats, which were used in the races, to the ICF, FFCK and CCA.
“I am so excited to bring three dragon boats from China to hand to the ICF, CCA and FFCK,” said Mr Shu.
“Our relationship creates a platform to exchange ideas among the people of all these organisation and to create friendships and relationships.
“It is an honour to be here in Paris and today I was in the winning boat so I can always say I was a winner in Paris 2024.”
CCA President Tong Lixin provided uniforms for the demonstration while Yang Xinyu, China’s Ambassador to UNESCO, was also among the paddlers in the Dragon Boat in Paris.
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ICF President Thomas Konietzko highlighted the significance of the event.
“Dragon Boat is more than just a sport, it is a powerful symbol of togetherness, friendship and inclusivity. Dragon Boat represents us,” said Mr Konietzko.
“In this demonstration, we wanted to show the world how paddlers from various racial, gender, and cultural backgrounds can come together, united under the rhythm of the same drumbeats, moving forward together as one.”
The demonstration provided a fitting stage for the discipline, which is set to feature in the Chengdu 2025 World Games programme.
The Xinglong Lake Wetland Park in Chengdu has been chosen as the venue for Dragon Boat which will run on August 9 and 10, 2025.
“It was great to see the spectators cheer loudly during the Dragon Boat representation,” said Wai-Hung Luk, Chair of the ICF Dragon Boat Commission.
“In Tokyo, it was only a showcase. In Paris, we saw the boat race, which was exciting for the fans.
“It showcases the true power of Dragon Boat and is on par with the ICF motto: ‘Always Moving Forward’. We can’t wait for it to feature at The World Games.”
