BNU International Students Dragon Boat Team Achieves Third Place at Jiuzhou Dragon Boat Showcase
Beijing Normal University’s (BNU) International Students Dragon Boat Team secured third place at the Jiuzhou Dragon Boat Showcase, held in the royal gardens of the Old Summer Palace as part of the 2025 Dragon Boat Festival. The event featured various university teams from Beijing, promoting unity under the theme “Sailing in Unity, Racing as One Nation.”
Team Composition and Race Details
The team consisted of 13 members, including 11 international students and 2 Chinese participants, reflecting a blend of cultural diversity in their representation. On May 31, the team competed in a 1500-meter race at Houhu Lake, demonstrating synchronized teamwork and embodying the festival’s emphasis on cooperation and athleticism.
Training and Preparation
In preparation for the competition, the team underwent a training session the day before, focusing on paddle grips and rhythm synchronization with the guidance of their coach. During the race, the rhythmic sound of drums and chants from the team filled the venue, underscoring the event’s theme of cultural exchange, encapsulated in the slogan “Meeting Friends through Dragon Boats.”
Media Coverage and Participant Experiences
The event received media coverage, including a segment on CCTV-4, titled “International Students Join Dragon Boat Races: See How Foreigners Paddle to the Chinese Rhythm.” Faustina, the team captain from Nigeria, noted her excitement about participating, marking her first practical experience with dragon boat racing after having previously observed it in China.
Commitment to Cultural Exchange
This event underscores BNU’s commitment to promoting international collaboration through traditional Chinese cultural practices, as demonstrated by the performance of its international students.
(Source: Beijing Normal University)
