Our team at the Bahamas Dragon Boat Federation brings dedication, expertise, and passion, driving the sport’s growth locally and internationally through talent and experience.

Mrs. Van Kei Lok- Tong​

Chairman & President / President Central Supercenter

MR. John Bostwick II

Vice Chairman/Senior Corporate Attorney Bostwick & Bostwick

mr. John Gomez

Vice Chairman/CEO Aliv Cable Bahamas

Dr Michelle Mindorff

Youth and Schools Committee Chair/ Lyford Cay International School Upper School Counselor

MRs. Amina Lacour

Secretary/Lyford Cay International School PYP Coordinator

Mr. Kimwood Mott

Treasurer/Central Bank of The Bahamas Digital Sand Dollar Project Manager

Dr Liz Darville

Breast Cancer Committee Chair/ 4th Terrace Diagnostics Principal

Mr Damien Robinson

Uniform Services Committee Chair/ Royal Bahamas Police Force, Assistant Commissioner of Police

Dr Omala Ablack

Member of the Board/ Princess Margaret Hospital Internal Medical Specialist
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Van Kei Lok-Tong

Chairman & President

As the President and Chairwoman of the Bahamas Dragon Boat Federation, my inspiration to participate in dragon boat activities stems from a deep-rooted passion for community, culture, and teamwork. Dragon boat racing is more than just a sport; it embodies the spirit of unity, perseverance, and harmony.​

Growing up, I was always fascinated by the rich traditions and cultural significance of dragon boat racing in many Asian cultures. This ancient sport has a unique way of bringing people together, fostering camaraderie, and promoting physical fitness. When I first experienced the exhilaration of paddling in unison with a team, I was captivated by the sense of belonging and collective achievement it brought.

Additionally, dragon boat racing offers an incredible platform to promote inclusivity and diversity within our community. It allows individuals from all walks of life to come together, work towards common goals, and build lasting friendships. Witnessing the positive impact this sport has on participants’ lives, both physically and mentally, has been immensely rewarding.

Ultimately, my dedication to dragon boat activities is driven by the desire to preserve and celebrate this vibrant cultural heritage while empowering our community through sport and teamwork. It is an honor to lead the Bahamas Dragon Boat Federation and contribute to the growth and success of dragon boating in our beautiful islands.

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John Boswick II

Vice-Chairman

My commitment to the Dragon Boat Federation is deeply rooted in the transformative experiences I’ve had through the sport. Participating in dragon boat racing has taught me invaluable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and community spirit. The sense of unity and camaraderie I’ve felt while paddling alongside diverse team members has been incredibly rewarding.

Witnessing the positive impact of dragon boating on individuals’ physical and mental well-being has reinforced my dedication. The sport not only promotes fitness but also fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support among participants. Moreover, seeing the joy and pride it brings to our community during events and competitions has been a powerful motivator.

​These personal experiences have solidified my commitment to advancing the mission of the Bahamas Dragon Boat Federation, ensuring that others can benefit from this remarkable sport just as I have.

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John Gomez

Vice-Chairman

Getting involved in dragon boat racing is important because it fosters a strong sense of community and teamwork. The sport requires individuals to work in perfect harmony, synchronizing their efforts to achieve a common goal. This cooperation builds trust and camaraderie, which are essential in both personal and professional relationships.

Dragon boat racing also provides an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange and understanding. It’s a sport with rich traditions, and participating allows individuals to appreciate and celebrate diverse cultural heritages. This cultural connection enhances social cohesion and mutual respect within our community.

Additionally, dragon boat racing promotes physical fitness in a fun and engaging way. It’s an accessible sport that encourages people of all ages and fitness levels to stay active. The inclusive nature of dragon boat racing means that anyone can participate, making it a great way to bring together people from different backgrounds.

Moreover, dragon boat racing events create a vibrant atmosphere that boosts local tourism and economy. These events attract participants and spectators, showcasing our beautiful islands and fostering a sense of pride in our community.

In short, dragon boat racing is a fantastic way to connect with others, celebrate diversity, and stay active. It’s an enriching experience that brings people together and benefits everyone involved.

Our Journey

 

The inaugural Dragon Boat Festival has brought awareness and recognition to The Bahamas as a new destination for dragon boat paddlers and International Breast Cancer Paddlers from around the world.

We had international teams and individuals present from the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Panama and as far away as New Zealand.

MILESTONES:
A Timeline Overview

October 1, 2016

Pan American Dragon Boat President in The Bahamas

Pan American Dragon Boat Federation President Mr. Franco Siu Chong arrives in the Bahamas to meet with Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture Danny Johnson and to introduce the sport of Dragon Boat Racing to The Bahamas

March 31, 2022

Official Requests for Dragon Boats

On PADBF President, Franco Siu Chong’s second visit to the Bahamas, he and the founding members of the Bahamas Dragon Boat Federation made the official request from Ambassador Dai Qingli for the donation of 8 dragon boats. The request was granted and the dragon boats arrived 3 months later.

June 2, 2022

Dragon Boat Handover Ceremony

The handover of the gifted Dragon Boats, was combined with the “Awakening of The Dragons” ceremony on June 2nd 2022 at The Pointe. H.E. Dai Qingli handed over 8 Dragon Boats to the Bahamas. The event was also attended by the President the Pan American Dragon Boat Federation President, Mr. Franco Siu Chong (based in Trinidad and Tobago), and Mr. Matt Smith, Vice President of the International Dragon Boat Federation.

February 22, 2024

Registration with Ministry of Youth Sports & Culture

The Bahamas Dragon Boat Federation is officially registered as its newest sporting federation under the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture.

March 27, 2024

Official Pan American Dragon Boat Federation Recognition

On this day, we were notified that the Executive Committee of the Pan American Dragon Boat Federation has voted unanimously to accept the Bahamas Dragon Boat Federation as it governing authority for the sport in the Bahamas.

September 9, 2024

Official International Dragon Boat Federation Recognition

On this day, at the IDBF Congress in Ravenna, Italy, the Bahamas Dragon Boat Federation was officially ratified by the IDBF executive and membership following the IDBF World Championships.

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"Dragon Boat Racing: Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness"

Battling Breast Cancer Together

The Federation has also been most fortunate to have the formal support of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas which, along with members of the Medical Fraternity, have embraced the sport in recognition for its numerous health benefits, inclusive of those for breast cancer survivors. We have received interest from international breast cancer survivors’ teams and are very excited about having them here with us for this event as we have committed to donating a portion of the proceeds for this inaugural event to the Cancer Society of The Bahamas due to our desire to see the therapeutic aspect of the sport developed to its greatest potential.
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INDIVIDUALS 18 YEARS & OVER 

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY FOR USE OF 

BAHAMAS DRAGON BOAT FEDERATION

MANAGED OR OPERATED DRAGON BOATS, EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES FOR TRAINING AND REGATTAS

 

In consideration of electing to, for the period as of this date to December 31st 2026, participate in the dragon boat training, any and all Dragon Boat Regattas hosted by or sanctioned by the Bahamas Dragon Boat Federation (hereinafter referred to as the “BDBF”)  and all other activities involving dragon boats and related equipment (including but not limited to paddles, flotation devices, equipment for launching and docking of boats and for storage of equipment) owned, leased, managed or operated by the BDBF or in respect of which the BDBF has a license for itself, its members, agents and guests to use, 

I:____________________________________________________________________________________  

  1. Understand that prior to participating in dragon boat training, regattas or any of the other activities referred to above, the facilities and equipment to be used may be inspected, and if anything is reasonably believed to be unsafe, shall notify the captain or designated representative of my team, who shall immediately advise the helmsman of such condition(s). I understand that I may elect not to participate until the unsafe condition(s) is/are corrected. I understand that in this document “facilities” includes but is not limited to premises:
    1. where dragon boats and related equipment referred to above may be stored; 
    2. from which dragon boats may be launched, docked or recovered; 
    3. where persons may embark or disembark a dragon boat; and 
    4. where dragon boat training, regattas or any of the other activities referred to above may take place,

whether or not same is owned, leased, managed or operated by the BDBF or in respect of which the BDBF has a license for itself, its members, agents and guests to use.

  1. Acknowledge and fully understand that I shall be engaging in activities that involve risk of serious injury, including permanent disability and death, and severe social and economic losses which might result not only from the actions or inactions of me, the negligence of others, the rules of play, or the condition of the premises where training, regattas or related activities are held, or of any equipment used. Further, that there may be other risks not known to myself or reasonably foreseeable at this time.
  2. Certify that I am qualified, in good health, in proper physical condition and is otherwise capable of participating in dragon boat training, regattas or any of the other activities referred to above.
  3. Assume all the foregoing risks and accept personal responsibility for the damages and social and economic losses following such accident, injury, permanent disability or death.
  4. Release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue or make claims against the BDBF, the owners of the premises and property where dragon boat training will be conducted, dragon boats and related equipment referred to herein, the organizers of any Dragon Boat Regatta to which this waiver applies, coaches, trainers, helmsmen, other employees, agents, and volunteers of these organizations, other participants, sponsoring agencies, advisors and advertisers all of which are hereinafter referred to as the “releasees”, from any liability to the undersigned for any and all claims, demands, losses, or damages on account of injury, including death or damage to property caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by any action of these releasees. I understand that nothing in this document shall limit the releasees for:
    1. fraud or other criminal act;
    2. personal injury or death caused by the negligence of the respective releasee; or
    3. any other liability that cannot be limited or excluded by law.
  1. Agree that a BDBF approved life jacket will be worn by me, properly fastened at all times, while in the boat and assume all responsibility for being informed of all safety rules and to abide by all such rules related to the activity.
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