The University of Padua at the Barcolana Dragon Boat – University Challenge

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The University of Padua took part in the first edition of the Barcolana Dragon Boat – University Challenge, on Wednesday 7 October in Trieste as part of the official Barcolana events, and claimed third place.

Dragon Boat is a rowing discipline of Chinese origin practised on boats decorated with a dragon’s head and tail. Coordination, rhythm and synchronisation among the crew members are the key elements of the competition.

Representing the University was a team made up of 16 students from different degree courses, who competed against the crews from the Universities of Trieste, Udine and Bari.

The competition, organised by the CUS of the University of Trieste, took place over a 180-metre course in the Molo Audace area. After finishing third in the qualifying round, Padua defeated Udine in the final for third place. The overall victory went to Trieste, which beat Bari.

Participation forms part of the initiatives promoted by the University of Padua to encourage participation in sport and to enhance sport as an opportunity for bringing people together, collaboration and sharing within the student community.

“The Barcolana Dragon Boat – University Challenge is a further opportunity to experience university sport as a team and shared experience. Dragon Boat requires every member of the crew to put their abilities at the service of the group: it is an experience that clearly reflects the values of collaboration, participation and belonging to the university community,” emphasises Alberto Zanatta, Delegate for Sport at the University of Padua.

The day began at 10 a.m. with the arrival and rigging of the boats at Molo 0, followed by the training sessions scheduled between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., while in the early afternoon the traditional Chinese good-luck ceremony for the boats and the crews’ briefing took place.

The Padua team was accompanied by the technical staff of Canottieri Padova ASD, under the guidance of coach and cox Lara Perissinotto.

Participation in the University Challenge continues the University’s journey in university Dragon Boat competitions, following its presence at the second edition of the Lion Explorer di Venezia, confirming the value of sport as an opportunity for bringing together, collaboration and exchange between university communities.