NEWS RELEASE (#2025-13)
Hualien Signs MoU to Host the 2026 IDBF Club Crew World Championships
The IDBF President Claudio Schermi today led the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) confirming Hualien as host of the 15th IDBF Club Crew World Championships (CCWC) in 2026. The MoU formalizes the intent to deliver the event and inaugurates the Organizing Committee responsible for staging one of the sport’s most significant global competitions.
President Schermi represented the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) alongside Secretary General Peter Tang, Marketing & Media Chair Belinda Chung, and Competition & Technical Commission Chair Jason Chen. They were joined by Mrs Hsu Chen-Wei, Magistrate (Mayor) of Hualien County; Mr Fu Kun-Chi, Legislative Yuan (member of Parliament MP); Mr Cheng Shih-Chung, Deputy Minister of Sport; and Mr Wang Chin-Te, Chairman of CTDBA.
The Championships are expected to welcome over 6,000 athletes from clubs across all continents, competing across multiple race categories and age divisions — from youth and university crews, to Premier, to seniors over40, 50 and 60, to Breast Cancer Paddlers and para-athlete divisions.
“This MoU marks a decisive milestone for our Federation and our worldwide community,” stated President Schermi. “Hualien has shown vision and commitment to delivering a safe, world-class Championship that will strengthen international connections and promote the true values of dragon boating — teamwork, respect, and friendship.”
As directed by the IDBF President, the 2025 Hualien Pacific International Dragon Boat Festival will serve as the official test event, validating all operational and athlete-related services to ensure full readiness for 2026.
President Schermi expressed sincere appreciation for the strong partnership with Hualien, CTDBA, and the many experts and volunteers already working toward a successful Championship.
The international dragon boat community now looks ahead with enthusiasm.
About the IDBF
The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) is the global governing body for dragon boat racing. Founded in 1991, it oversees and promotes the sport of dragon boat paddling across the world. With a mission to foster unity, friendship, and fair competition, the IDBF organises multiple international world championships, sets rules and standards for dragon boat racing and equipment, and has a membership base of over 80 national federations.