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.

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IDBF Inspects Race Venue for the 2025 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, Brandenburg

Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany – The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) has completed a three day comprehensive inspection of the race course at the Regattastrecke Brandenburg, the official venue for the 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, scheduled to take place from 14 to 20 July 2025.

The inspection team, led by IDBF President Claudio Schermi, alongside Vice President Nigel Bedford and Melanie Cantwell, Chair of Competition and Technical Commission, thoroughly evaluated the venue’s technical aspects, including water conditions, infrastructure, and logistics, to ensure optimal race conditions for national teams worldwide.

Following the inspection, IDBF President Claudio Schermi expressed full confidence in the venue’s readiness:

“The Regattastrecke Brandenburg is a world-class venue with a proven track record in hosting major international championships. We are extremely satisfied with the preparations and confident that this event will set new standards in dragon boat racing. I strongly encourage all national teams to finalise their entries on the IDBF Registration Platform before the provisional entry deadline of 1st March 2025, to ensure a smooth and well-organised championship.”

The IDBF Site Inspection Team expressed full satisfaction with the venue and praised the commitment and experience of the Organising Committee (Org Com) in ensuring the success of this prestigious event. Special attention was also given to the arrangements for Para Athletes, with the assurance that all necessary accommodations will be provided.

DDV President Ute Becker-Frenzel and the Organising Committee Team extended their appreciation to the IDBF for conducting a three-day inspection from the 21st to the 23rd February, ensuring full alignment with organisational deadlines and championship requirements.

With the championship set to bring together the world’s top dragon boat athletes, the IDBF, DDV, and the Regatta team will continue to collaborate closely to deliver an outstanding and memorable competition.

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.

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Global Canal Rowing Action concludes in Baku,
strengthening collaboration with IDBF to fight Climate Change

Baku, Azerbaijan – The Global Canal Rowing Action (GCRA), initiated at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021, concluded its 2024 edition in Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 17. This event, spanning 6 continents, 41 countries, and 199 cities with over 12,000 athletes, was recognized as a national-level event and a break day activity for COP29.

The collaboration between IDBF and GCRA began at COP28 in Dubai, where GCRA held strategic discussions with IDBF President Claudio Schermi. The partnership reached a new milestone at COP29 in Baku, with the IDBF actively participating in GCRA-hosted activities. Dragon boat demonstrations were featured alongside rowing and canoeing events, highlighting the role of water sports in promoting environmental sustainability and cultural exchange.

During COP29, GCRA and IDBF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their joint commitment to collaborate on promoting environmental sustainability, cultural exchange, and the development of water sports through joint actions in dragon boating and Global Canal Rowing Initiatives.

L to R: Ken Lee – organizer and co-founder of GCRA and grab of international Dept Deep Dive; Azerbaijan Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov; Claudio Schermi IDBF President; Jean-Christophe Rolland World Rowing President;  Wang Shi Founded of GCRA;
Vugar Ahmadov President Azerbaijan Canoe and Rowing Federation ; and Tim Feng, Chairman of Deep Dive.

Event Overview: The GCRA united three leading water sports figures – Jean-Christophe Rolland, President of World Rowing; Thomas Konietzko, President of the International Canoe Federation; and Claudio Schermi, President of the International Dragon Boat Federation – along with Wang Shi, Founder of GCRA, and Ken Lee, Organizer and Co-founder of GCRA. This gathering underscored the unity in the fight against climate change. The event featured a Sustainability Parade with 55 boats including 2 dragon boats, emphasizing commitment to water resource protection and the continuation of the “Zero Carbon, Clean Water” campaign initiated since COP26.

The event was attended by leaders of the World Rowing (WR), International Canoe Federation (ICF), International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), World Historic and Cultural Canal Cities Cooperation Organization (WCCO), Azerbaijan Youth and Sports Ministry, Azerbaijan Canoe and Rowing Federation, Officials from UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), and Wang Shi, Founder of GCRA and Honorary President of Asian Rowing Federation.

Participation and Highlights: A total of 105 rowers and paddlers, aged from 9 to 75, participated in the event, showcasing the inclusive nature of the GCRA. The event was a Climate Change Campaign Water sports activity and a cultural celebration, with traditional Azerbaijani music and dance performances, and local delicacies and tea, reflecting Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage.

Legacy and Future Plans: The GCRA aimed to raise awareness for climate change through water sports and encouraged ongoing environmental protection initiatives within communities. Azerbaijan has pledged to host annual water climate change campaign events, with plans to expand the initiative to include European countries surrounding Azerbaijan, in collaboration with the GCRA organizing committee.

IDBF President Claudio Schermi stressed at the forum at UNFCC at Biosphere III pavilion, emphasized the profound connection between dragon boating and sustainability, highlighting actions across three key dimensions: environmental, economic, and social. Dragon boating is not only a competition but a celebration of teamwork, tradition, and respect for nature, fostering inclusivity and resilience.

On the environmental front, Schermi spotlighted youth-led initiatives, such as reducing single-use waste through reusable solutions, eco-friendly event planning, and carbon neutrality efforts like tree-planting partnerships. Additionally, clubs are adopting sustainable practices such as waterway cleanups and “hot washing” boats to protect aquatic ecosystems.

In the economic dimension, Schermi praised recycling programs, where athletes trade old uniforms for discounts, reducing waste while supporting underprivileged athletes. Sustainable event models balance environmental responsibility with economic accessibility, ensuring participation without financial strain.

Finally, in the social dimension, Schermi highlighted dragon boating’s inclusivity, embracing cancer survivors and para-athletes through initiatives like the Breast Cancer Paddlers program. Smoke-free policies at events promote health, while dragon boating remains a symbol of cultural exchange, peace, and friendship.

Schermi called for a united effort to protect natural resources and foster a sustainable future, where dragon boating can thrive as a beacon of environmental and social responsibility.

The IDBF President extended heartfelt gratitude to Organizer Ken Lee for his outstanding dedication and reaffirmed the IDBF’s commitment to advancing the project at COP30, scheduled to take place in Brazil in 2025.

Global Impact and Actions: Organizer Ken Lee highlighted that “the GCRA has evolved from raising awareness to promoting actionable steps towards sustainability, such as using reusable water bottles, reducing waste, implementing recycling programs, and educating on the importance of water conservation and carbon reduction efforts.” “The event also emphasized the Global Movement, looking forward to COP30 in Belem, Brazil, where the Amazon and South American athletes are expected to join the fight for a cleaner future.”

“The 2024 Global Canal Rowing Action in Baku stands as a testament to the power of sports in uniting the world in the battle against climate change, leaving a lasting legacy of environmental stewardship and international cooperation.”

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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