On May 24th, Paddling Through Culture, Embracing the Dragon Boat Festival the 15th Shanghai Region and 3rd Yangzi River Delta HEIs International Students Dragon Boat Race kicked off. SUES' dragon boat team, composed of international students, gathered with teams from 33 universities in Shanghai and the Yangtze River Delta region to compete in the dragon boat races.
SUES’ International Student Dragon Boat Team consists of students from ten countries, including Russia, Romania, Lesotho, Liberia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Morocco, Thailand, and Yemen. Among them are both new members experiencing dragon boat culture for the first time and veterans who have participated in the race for three consecutive years. During the preparation process, led by College of International Education and meticulously organized by School of Textiles and Fashion, international students from multiple schools and departments such as School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, School of Management Studies, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and School of Art and Design actively participated, showcasing the united and enterprising spirit of students from SUES.
Prior to the race, team members utilized their spare time to train diligently at the Qingpu Training Base. From paddle-holding postures to rhythm coordination, they gradually mastered the skills and essence of dragon boat racing under the guidance of professional coaches. During the races, the team members worked together in harmony, braving the waves and vividly interpreting the dragon boat spirit of uniting in the same boat and striving for excellence.
Through participating in the training and races, international students not only built up their physical strength and enhanced their friendships but also gained a deeper understanding of the Chinese cultural value of harmonious coexistence. The participating team members expressed that they would take back the knowledge they have gained from studying in China and the dragon boat spirit to their home countries, becoming friendly ambassadors for cultural exchanges between China and other countries.