The Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS) acknowledges the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) Congress held online on 21–22 November 2025, where delegates approved updated governance documents, endorsed the federation’s 2025–2030 strategic plan, and elected new members to leadership positions.
IDBF President Claudio Schermi, recently elected to the AIMS Council, noted the significance of the decisions taken and the strong participation of member federations. “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. I extend congratulations to all elected in these mid-term elections. We have a united team ready 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 across two days.”
The Congress opened with addresses by AIMS President Stephan Fox and ARISF President Raffaele Chiulli, reflecting the federation’s place within the wider sports community. President Fox highlighted the IDBF’s steady development and its engagement with youth initiatives, including its participation in the UTS World Children’s Festival 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, where young leaders presented dragon boating as a sport that connects culture, inclusion, and teamwork.
Delegates approved the new Articles of Association, enabling the IDBF to proceed with incorporation in Hong Kong, China, and endorsed the Strategic Plan 2025–2030, which outlines priorities in governance, youth development, membership growth, and organisational effectiveness.
Mid-term elections were held for nine Council positions, resulting in appointments across several regions:
– Vice Presidents: Chung Chi Lok Arnold (Hong Kong, China), Meri Gibson (New Zealand), Pep Junca Tesseras (Spain), Wendy Zhou (Canada)
– Secretary General: Peter Tang (Macau, China) — re-elected
– Deputy Treasurer: Anna Sokratous (Cyprus)
– Commission Chairs: Luigi Alessandro Elio Rinaldi (Germany) for Youth, Keith Dalip (Trinidad and Tobago) for Para Athletes, He Yi (China) for Culture and Heritage
Outgoing leaders Raymond Ma, Matt Smith, and Julie Doyle were appointed as Honorary Vice Presidents, and the Congress acknowledged the contributions of Nigel Bedford and Franco Siu Chong.
AIMS congratulates President Schermi, the elected officials, and all delegates on the progress made, and looks forward to continued cooperation with IDBF as it advances its governance, membership, and development objectives.
