On 27 April 2024, the Confucius Institutes of Edge Hill University, Liverpool University, Manchester University, University of Central Lancashire and Lancaster University gathered together for the annual North West Confucius Institutes’ Dragon Boat Race at Liverpool Water Sports Centre.

The Dragon Boat Race, associated with the Dragon Boat Festival, dates back over 2,000 years in Chinese culture. The festival commemorates the poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in the Miluo River to protest political corruption. Villagers raced their boats to save him, beating drums and splashing water to keep evil spirits away.

The Lancaster University Confucius Institute team consisted of 18 paddlers and 23 supporters. The paddlers participated in the race with enthusiasm, showcasing the spirit of unity, friendship, and perseverance whilst the supporters cheered loudly. The team demonstrated a high level of teamwork and cooperation.

The success of the competition was attributed to the passionate involvement of all participants from North West Confucius Institutes. The Dragon Boat Race is not only a sporting event but also an essential opportunity for promoting friendship and cultural exchange in the North West.