NEWS RELEASE (#2025-16)
IDBF Congress 2025:
Hong Kong Incorporation, Strategic Vision, and Mid-Term Elections Propel the Sport Forward
The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) concluded its historic online Congress on November 21–22, 2025, marking a new chapter for international dragon boating with the approval of the new Articles of Association, the endorsement of a forward looking strategic plan, and the election of a renewed international leadership.
Following the Congress, IDBF President Claudio Schermi, recently elected to the AIMS Council, stated:
“Dragon boat returns to its origins in Hong Kong, China where the IDBF was founded in 1991, and to Asia, home to traditions rooted in the legend of Qu Yuan’s sacrifice in Miluo, China, in 273 BC, commemorated annually on the fifth day of the fifth month. I extend congratulations to all elected in these mid term elections. We have a united team, prepared to advance the objectives of our strategic plan. I also thank our members for their commitment, with 57 of 59 voting and 110 participants engaged for more than 10 hours across two days.”
Olympic Community Recognition Opens the Congress
The Congress opened with addresses from Stephan Fox, President of the Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS), and Raffaele Chiulli, President of the Association of IOC Recognised International Sport Federations (ARISF). Both highlighted the IDBF’s important role in the global sporting community, celebrating the federation’s steadfast friendship with the wider family of international sports and the sport’s strength in uniting communities, inspiring youth, and upholding integrity, inclusion, and fair competition.
President Fox applauded the IDBF’s rapid growth, stating: “AIMS will always support sport’s efforts to better society, build bridges, and bring communities together. I have witnessed how the IDBF continues its rapid growth under President Claudio’s leadership, recently elected to the AIMS Council, and I applaud these achievements. The IDBF’s participation in the United Through Sports (UTS) World Children’s Festival 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where young leaders showcased dragon boating as a symbol of unity, inclusion, and courage, is a vibrant demonstration of the federation’s commitment to youth engagement and cultural heritage on the world stage.”
President Chiulli added: “With unity, passion, enthusiasm, and resilience, this event provides key opportunities to learn and to take essential decisions for a bright future for sport and for the IDBF.”
The past presidents Mike Haslam and Mike Thomas gave their wishes to the congress and attended the full sessions offering their contribution in terms of experience.
Approval of New Articles of Association and Strategic Roadmap
Delegates voted with an overwhelming 84% majority to adopt the new Articles of Association, paving the way for the IDBF’s formal incorporation in Hong Kong, China the symbolic birthplace of modern‑day dragon boating and a global hub for the sport. The updated governing document establishes a unified framework to support federation members worldwide. The Congress also unanimously endorsed the IDBF Strategic Plan 2025–2030, a comprehensive roadmap for growth, youth engagement, federation expansion, and transparent, measurable progress.
Mid-Term Elections: Global Leadership for a Unified Future
In a highlight of the Congress, nine Council positions were filled, reinforcing the IDBF’s global representation and diverse experience:
Vice Presidents (Executive Committee)
- Chung Chi Lok Arnold (Hong Kong, China)
- Meri Gibson (New Zealand)
- Pep Junca Tesseras (Spain)
- Wendy Zhou (Canada)
Other Executive Committee positions
- Secretary General – Peter Tang (Macau, China) – re-elected
- Deputy Treasurer – Anna Sokratous (Cyprus)
Commission Chairs
- Chair of the Youth Commission – Luigi Alessandro Elio Rinaldi (Germany)
- Chair of Para Athletes Commission – Keith Dalip (Trinidad and Tobago) – elected
- Chair of Culture and Heritage Commission – He Yi (China) – re-elected
Elections were conducted with full transparency, reaffirming the IDBF’s commitment to fairness and global democratic values.
Acknowledgements & Honorary Appointments
The Congress thanked Raymond Ma, Matt Smith, and Julie Doyle for their years of service as Vice Presidents and approved by acclamation their appointment as Honorary Vice Presidents. A note of thanks was also extended to Nigel Bedford for his service as Vice President and to Franco Siu Chong for his term as Deputy Treasurer.
Looking Forward
With a renewed governance framework, a visionary plan for 2025–2030, and the enthusiastic recognition of Olympic leaders, the entire IDBF and the dragon boat community can now move even more forward with unity and resilience. The federation is ready to build on its deep heritage, energize its worldwide paddling family, and ensure the continued international growth and success of dragon boat sport.
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.