NEWS RELEASE (#2024-06)
Inclusion of Breast Cancer Paddlers National Team Class at the 2025 IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships Approved by the IDBF Executive Committee and Council
Summary
The IDBF Executive Committee and Council, with the support of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission (IBCPC), have approved the participation of Breast Cancer Paddlers (BCP) National Teams as a test event at the 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, to be held in Brandenburg, Germany, in 2025. This decision reflects the IDBF’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and diversity, as the Championships continue to welcome athletes from all classes, including Para Athletes as part of its official program. The inclusion of BCP National Teams (with two crews per nation) underscores the IDBF’s dedication to fostering a global and equitable dragon boat racing community.
Organized by Regattateam Brandenburg Beetzsee e.V. and supervised by the German Dragon Boat Association (DDV), this event represents a significant milestone in promoting representation and competitive opportunities for all athletes.
Resolution
WHEREAS, during the IDBF 4th World Cup held in Miluo, the President of the German Dragon Boat Association (DDV), Ute Becker Frenzel, met with Meri Gibson, Chair of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission (IBCPC), and Claudio Schermi, President of the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), to discuss the potential inclusion of a Breast Cancer Paddlers (BCP) National Team Class in the upcoming 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Brandenburg, Germany, in 2025;
WHEREAS, this request is grounded in the ongoing commitment of the IDBF to inclusivity and support for all paddlers, recognizing the significant role of breast cancer paddling teams in promoting health, resilience, and community among survivors worldwide;
WHEREAS, the IBCPC Chair Meri Gibson, the IDBF President Claudio Schermi and the President of the hosting championships member federation Ute Becker Frenzel have expressed their support for this initiative, acknowledging its importance in furthering awareness and inclusivity within the dragon boating community;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the IDBF provisionally allows the inclusion of the Breast Cancer Paddlers National Team Class at the next IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Brandenburg, Germany, in 2025.
This provisional inclusion will enable the IDBF to gather feedback, evaluate the feasibility of permanent inclusion, and support the BCP community in their participation, underlining the IDBF’s commitment to providing competitive opportunities for all members.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this new class will adhere to IDBF rules and standards to ensure fair competition and integration within the championship framework.
Adopted this 23rd November, 2024
Claudio Schermi
IDBF President
Download PDF – 241123_IDBF Resolution for the Inclusion of BCP in the 2025 WDBRC Program
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.