IDBF Congress 2025:
Hong Kong Incorporation, Strategic Vision, and Mid-Term Elections Propel the Sport Forward

The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) concluded its historic online Congress on November 21–22, 2025, marking a new chapter for international dragon boating with the approval of the new Articles of Association, the endorsement of a forward looking strategic plan, and the election of a renewed international leadership.

Following the Congress, IDBF President Claudio Schermi, recently elected to the AIMS Council, stated:

“Dragon boat returns to its origins in Hong Kong, China where the IDBF was founded in 1991, and to Asia, home to traditions rooted in the legend of Qu Yuan’s sacrifice in Miluo, China, in 273 BC, commemorated annually on the fifth day of the fifth month. I extend congratulations to all elected in these mid term elections. We have a united team, prepared to advance the objectives of our strategic plan. I also thank our members for their commitment, with 57 of 59 voting and 110 participants engaged for more than 10 hours across two days.”

Olympic Community Recognition Opens the Congress

The Congress opened with addresses from Stephan Fox, President of the Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS), and Raffaele Chiulli, President of the Association of IOC Recognised International Sport Federations (ARISF). Both highlighted the IDBF’s important role in the global sporting community, celebrating the federation’s steadfast friendship with the wider family of international sports and the sport’s strength in uniting communities, inspiring youth, and upholding integrity, inclusion, and fair competition.

President Fox applauded the IDBF’s rapid growth, stating: “AIMS will always support sport’s efforts to better society, build bridges, and bring communities together. I have witnessed how the IDBF continues its rapid growth under President Claudio’s leadership, recently elected to the AIMS Council, and I applaud these achievements. The IDBF’s participation in the United Through Sports (UTS) World Children’s Festival 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where young leaders showcased dragon boating as a symbol of unity, inclusion, and courage, is a vibrant demonstration of the federation’s commitment to youth engagement and cultural heritage on the world stage.”

President Chiulli added: “With unity, passion, enthusiasm, and resilience, this event provides key opportunities to learn and to take essential decisions for a bright future for sport and for the IDBF.”

The past presidents Mike Haslam and Mike Thomas gave their wishes to the congress and attended the full sessions offering their contribution in terms of experience.

Approval of New Articles of Association and Strategic Roadmap

Delegates voted with an overwhelming 84% majority to adopt the new Articles of Association, paving the way for the IDBF’s formal incorporation in Hong Kong, China the symbolic birthplace of modern‑day dragon boating and a global hub for the sport. The updated governing document establishes a unified framework to support federation members worldwide. The Congress also unanimously endorsed the IDBF Strategic Plan 2025–2030, a comprehensive roadmap for growth, youth engagement, federation expansion, and transparent, measurable progress.

Mid-Term Elections: Global Leadership for a Unified Future

In a highlight of the Congress, nine Council positions were filled, reinforcing the IDBF’s global representation and diverse experience:

Vice Presidents (Executive Committee)

• Chung Chi Lok Arnold (Hong Kong, China)
• Meri Gibson (New Zealand)
• Pep Junca Tesseras (Spain)
• Wendi Zhou (Canada)

Other Executive Committee positions

• Secretary General – Peter Tang (Macau, China) – re-elected
• Deputy Treasurer – Anna Sokratous (Cyprus)

Commission Chairs

• Chair of the Youth Commission – Luigi Alessandro Elio Rinaldi (Germany)
• Chair of Para Athletes Commission – Keith Dalip (Trinidad and Tobago) – elected
• Chair of Culture and Heritage Commission – He Yi (China) – re-elected

Elections were conducted with full transparency, reaffirming the IDBF’s commitment to fairness and global democratic values.

Acknowledgements & Honorary Appointments

The Congress thanked Raymond Ma, Matt Smith, and Julie Doyle for their years of service as Vice Presidents and approved by acclamation their appointment as Honorary Vice Presidents. A note of thanks was also extended to Nigel Bedford for his service as Vice President and to Franco Siu Chong for his term as Deputy Treasurer.

Looking Forward

With a renewed governance framework, a visionary plan for 2025–2030, and the enthusiastic recognition of Olympic leaders, the entire IDBF and the dragon boat  community can now move even more forward with unity and resilience. The federation is ready to build on its deep heritage, energize its worldwide paddling family, and ensure the continued international growth and success of dragon boat sport.

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.

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Resolution on the Incorporation of the IDBF in Hong Kong
Approved by the IDBF Executive Committee and Council
To Be Submitted to the IDBF Congress

Summary

The IDBF Executive Committee and Council are proposing the incorporation of the federation in Hong Kong by 2026. To move this forward, the recommendation will be presented for approval at an Extraordinary Congress, which is most likely to be held in the spring of next year, between the end of March and mid-May.

This initiative reflects IDBF’s roots and aligns with its strategic vision for the future. Hong Kong, as the birthplace of dragon boat racing as an international sport, represents a symbolic and operational hub for fostering the sport’s global development. This move promises to mark a historic moment for the IDBF and its members.

Preamble

The experience of incorporating the IDBF in the UK has highlighted significant challenges with limited tangible benefits. The complexity and cost of maintaining a UK-based corporation, coupled with unresolved issues such as the IDBF’s multiple legal statuses (Limited, unincorporated, and a “stichting company” for the bank account), have made this option impractical. Additionally, ongoing difficulties in establishing a bank account outside of the Netherlands further complicate our operations under UK incorporation.

After thorough consideration of alternative options, the final choice was narrowed to Hong Kong and the Bahamas, based on the strategic advantages offered by each jurisdiction.

Key Findings from the Location Comparison:

1. Incorporation and Maintenance Costs
2. Strategic Relevance
3. Government and Legal Stability

Resolution

Following detailed analysis and deliberation, the IDBF Executive Committee and Council have resolved to propose Hong Kong to the next IDBF Congress as the preferred jurisdiction for the incorporation of the IDBF.

This recommendation is based on Hong Kong’s strategic alignment with the Federation’s cultural, financial, and operational objectives.

This resolution will be submitted to the IDBF Congress for final approval.

Claudio Schermi
IDBF President

Download PDF – 241123- Decision on the Incorporation of the IDBF

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.

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Mr Claudio Schermi, President-elect of the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF)

At the 19th Ordinary Congress of the IDBF held on 14 August 2023, Claudio Schermi (ITA) was elected IDBF President in a tight vote between Ms Julie Doyle (IRE) and Mr Peter Jarosi (HUN). Mr Mike Thomas will become the Honorary President and will retire when his term ends.

Claudio Schermi underlined two main areas that he will be focussing on:

1. To reach out to all IDBF Members and the Continental Federations to see how the IDBF can help in their development and what support the IDBF can give.
2. To ensure that IDBF gains International Olympic Committee recognition which will open the door for dragonboat to take part in Multisport Games.

Mr Stephan Fox, President of Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sports (AIMS) and Mr Raffaele Chiulli, President of The Association of IOC Recognised International Sport Federations (ARISF), are in full support of the IDBF in achieving these objectives.

“For the future, my long term vision is to see dragon boat racing in the Olympic Games.”

Regarding the fantastic dragonboat sport the President-elect underlines the Chinese and Asian traditions of dragon boat as a way of bonding our different cultures together.

Enquiries
International Dragon Boat Federation
Media enquiries: idbfnews@dragonboat.sport

See past IDBF news releases or subscribe to IDBF News for updates.

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19th Ordinary Congress of IDBF Members – Elections

Congratulations to the following who were recently elected at the 19th Ordinary Congress of the IDBF.

• President – Claudio Schermi (ITA)*
• Treasurer – Loretta Lewis (AUS)*
• Entourage Chair – Barbara Michaels (USA)
• Competition & Technical Commission Chair – Melanie Cantwell (AUS)
• Marketing & Media Commission Chair – Belinda Chung (AUS)
• Medical & Sports Science Commission – Bridget Walter (CHE)

Franco Siuchong (TTO) will take on the role of Deputy Treasurer*.

The IDBF Executive Committee and Congress thanked Mike Thomas and Alan van Caubergh for their many years of dedication and service to the IDBF and wish them well in their retirement.

*from 1 January 2024.

Enquiries
International Dragon Boat Federation
Media enquiries: idbfnews@dragonboat.sport

See past IDBF news releases or subscribe to IDBF News for updates.

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