NEWS RELEASE (#2025-03)
“We Are Going Back Home” – IDBF President Claudio Schermi Announces After Hong Kong Visit
Hong Kong, February 15, 2025 – Claudio Schermi, President of the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), concluded his visit to Hong Kong, China with the statement, “We are going back home” – a reference to the founding of the IDBF in Hong Kong in 1991. Accompanied by Secretary General Peter Tang (Macau, China), Treasurer Loretta Lewis (Australia), and Senior Vice President Raymond Ma (Hong Kong, China), Schermi emphasised the federation’s commitment to incorporating the IDBF in Hong Kong, solidifying its presence in the region.
The visit included meetings with Invest Hong Kong leadership, a tour of the HKCDBA headquarters in Kowloon East, and the first meeting at the future IDBF offices on Hong Kong Island, marking a significant step in establishing the federation’s new home. The delegation also attended the “Awakening the Dragon” ceremony at the prestigious Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, where Claudio Schermi participated as a paddler in a demonstration race alongside Gianni Aprea of the IDBF Athletes’ Commission and team captain of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, securing first place.
The trip extended to Macau, where the delegation visited the offices of Secretary General Peter Tang and met Luis Gomes, President of the Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government. Discussions focused on joint projects to promote dragon boat globally and position Macao as a key hub within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA). Additionally, a meeting with Prof. Rostam confirmed his upcoming appointment as the new Chair of the IDBF Ethics Committee at the next IDBF Congress.
Schermi expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality in Hong Kong where the passion, organisation and activities on dragon boating is unbeatable in the world and reaffirmed IDBF’s dedication to unity, growth, and the global promotion of dragon boat.
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- Peter Tang (IDBF General Secretary), Loretta Lewis (IDBF Treasurer) and Claudio Schermi (IDBF President) at Invest HK
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- A visit to the Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government office
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- “Awakening the Dragon” ceremony with Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club
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- “Awakening the Dragon” ceremony with Gianni Aprea of the IDBF Athletes’ Commission and team captain of the RHKYC Royal X Dragon Boat Team team
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- Claudio with Mr Riccardo Fuochi president of the Italy Hong Kong Association
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- IDBF, HKCDBA and RHKYC Royal X Dragon Boat
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- Claudio ready to paddle with RHKYC Royal X Dragon Boat Team team
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- Claudio racing with RHKYC Royal X Dragon Boat Team
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- Bai Sun ceremony
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.