NEWS RELEASE (#2025-09)
IDBF Congratulates EDBF on Leadership and Championship Success
The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) proudly congratulates the European Dragon Boat Federation (EDBF) on the successful conclusion of its recent Congress and Presidential elections, held on 8 September 2025.
President Claudio Schermi warmly congratulates Anna Sokratous and all those elected at the EDBF Congress, on behalf of the IDBF community, and congratulates the EDBF for the extraordinary success of the European Club Crews Championships in Belgrade, reaffirming the IDBF’s commitment to strengthen cooperation and develop joint projects together.
This moment marks a significant milestone for European Dragon Boating and reflects the shared values of unity, inclusivity, and growth that both federations champion.
EDBF Congress Highlights – 8 September 2025
The European Dragon Boat Federation (EDBF) is pleased to announce the results of its recent Presidential and Council elections.
Anna Sokratous has been elected as the new President of the Federation, marking a historic milestone as the first woman to hold this position since the organization’s founding at both international and continental level.
Upon her election, Anna Sokratous stated:
It is a great honour to be entrusted with this responsibility. Dragon Boat is more than a sport – it is a community in Europe that unites cultures, strengthens friendships, and promotes teamwork. I am committed to building on the Federation’s achievements, fostering inclusivity, and leading our sport to new heights.
My vision is simple yet ambitious: to expand Dragon Boat in Europe with the support of Erasmus projects, empowering youth development while upholding transparency, fairness, and unity.
I did not expect to succeed as my opponent was Alan Van Caubergh, one of the highest officers of the IDBF and President of the EDBF for three terms of office until 2017. I am proud of the trust of the large majority of the nations that voted for me. But now the elections are finished, and I want to be the President of all members – to make European Dragon Boating stronger together.
The newly elected members of the EDBF Council are as follows:
- Maura Dezi – Treasurer
- Ute Becker-Frenzel – Representative of the Full Members in the Executive Committee
- Eduard Caramov – Chair of Youth Commission
- Djordje Pavlovich – Chair of Competition & Technical Committee
- Paola Pochesci – Chair of Women’s Commission
- Michaela Scacchetti – Chair of Marketing & Media Commission
- Dusko Spasovski – Chair of Medical & Sport Science Commission
- Nations Representatives in the Council: Cyprus, Germany, Italy, Serbia, Spain
The EDBF extends its sincere gratitude to all candidates, members, and athletes for their continued dedication and passion for dragon boating. Together, we look forward to a new era of growth and unity for our sport across Europe.
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.