NEWS RELEASE (#2026-05)
IDBF and HKCDBA Celebrate Dual 35th Anniversaries at a Defining Moment for the Federation
The IDBF marked a defining moment in its global story with the opening of its new Headquarters in Hong Kong, where the Federation recognised the 35th Anniversary of the IDBF alongside the 35th Anniversary of the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association (HKCDBA), one of its founding members.
During the ceremony, Mr Claudio Schermi, President of the IDBF, presented a commemorative plaque to Mr Chung Chi Lok, Arnold, President of HKCDBA and 2nd Vice President of the IDBF, honouring HKCDBA’s 35 years of leadership and its foundational role in shaping the Federation’s development since 1991.
In a reciprocal gesture, Ms Meri Gibson, Senior Vice President of the IDBF, presented a plaque to President Schermi marking the IDBF’s own 35th anniversary. The plaque now hangs in the new Headquarters office, symbolising the Federation’s legacy and its continued commitment to advancing dragon boat sport worldwide.
The dual anniversaries highlight the shared legacy and enduring collaboration that have shaped the Federation’s evolution over the past three decades, particularly as the IDBF establishes its new base in Hong Kong during this milestone year.
The IDBF’s 35th anniversary will continue to be recognised at the 15th IDBF Club Crew World Championships in Hualien this September, where the global dragon boat community will gather for championship week.
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- To mark HKCDBA’s 35th anniversary, IDBF President Mr Claudio Schermi presents a special commemorative plaque to Mr Chung Chi Lok, Arnold, Chairman of HKCDBA and IDBF 2nd Vice President.
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- To mark the IDBF’s 35th anniversary, Senior Vice President Meri Gibson presents a commemorative plaque to President Claudio Schermi for display at the new IDBF headquarters in Hong Kong.
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- A shared moment of celebration as Arnold Chung and Meri Gibson hold their respective commemorative plaques, marking the 35th anniversaries of both HKCDBA and the IDBF.
About the IDBF
The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) is the global governing body for dragon boat racing. Founded in 1991 in Hong Kong, 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.