NEWS RELEASE (#2025-05)
IDBF appoints Natacha Tremblay as Chair of the Women’s Commission
The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) is proud to announce the appointment of Natacha Tremblay as Chair of the Women’s Commission. This appointment highlights the IDBF’s commitment to promoting and supporting the development, participation, and recognition of women in the sport of dragon boat racing at all levels..
Natacha Tremblay, a seasoned leader, coach, and advocate for women in sports, brings over three decades of experience in coaching, sports management, and athlete development to her new role. Her extensive career has been dedicated to enhancing performance, inclusivity, and leadership in canoe-kayak, dragon boat, and physical fitness.
Her dragon boat journey includes founding the first Parisian Dragon Boat Club in 2014, a ground-breaking initiative that quickly gained traction. Recognising the importance of accessibility and representation, she co-authored and delivered France’s first Dragon Boat Breast Cancer Certification in 2015, providing a framework for empowering breast cancer survivors through paddling.
In addition to her coaching accomplishments, Tremblay has held leadership roles in sports management and policy development across various national institutions, boards, and administrations in multiple countries. She has received awards for her contributions to adaptive fitness and inclusive training, further emphasising her commitment to mentorship, inclusivity, and strategic development.
As Chair of the Women’s Commission, Tremblay will lead efforts to develop strategies and initiatives aimed at advancing the involvement of women in dragon boat racing. She will work closely with the IDBF Executive Committee and relevant stakeholders to advocate for gender equality, encourage participation by women, and address issues impacting female paddlers globally.
“We are delighted to welcome Natacha Tremblay as the Chair of the Women’s Commission,” said IDBF President Claudio Schermi. “Her vast experience and unwavering dedication to women’s sports make her the perfect fit for this role. We look forward to working with her to enhance the visibility, accessibility, and representation of women in dragon boat racing.”
The IDBF Women’s Commission is committed to raising the visibility and accessibility of women in dragon boat racing, expanding opportunities for participation and leadership, and advocating for greater representation at all levels of the sport. By creating clear pathways for growth, the commission aims to develop sustainable mentorship and educational resources that empower athletes and women in meaningful roles while fostering an inclusive and safe sporting environment.
Natacha can be contacted at chair-womens@dragonboat.sport
About the IDBF
The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) is the global governing body for dragon boat racing. Founded in 1991, in Hong Kong China, 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.