The International Dragon Boat Association (IDBA) is the producer of the
annual California International Dragon Boat Festival held at the scenic
tourist destination, Jack London Square, Oakland, California, U.S.A.. Our
organization is a non-profit, charity corporation with twenty-one directors
devoted to the following mission statement and pledge:
"The International Dragon Boat Association is committed to fostering
cross cultural understanding of the Asian Pacific American community
with the broader community locally, nationally, and internationally
through the sport of dragon boat racing. It is the intention and wishes
of this body of volunteers to preserve art and culture, promote better
understanding among all people, to perform charity work to help the
most vulnerable in our society, and by our example, nurture and guide
our most precious asset, our children, toward worthy achievements and
responsible citizenship."
To promote solidarity and purpose, we have a theme every year.
In 1997, our theme was, "Silver Dragons" in honor of our elders.
In 1998 it was, "Children of the Dragon" in support of our children
and youth.
In 1999 it was, "Hungry Dragon" to help highlight the importance
of assuring that people have good "quality" food.
In 2000, our theme was "Dragon 21" to celebrate the Year of the Dragon
as we approach the 21st Century.
In 2001 our theme was "eDragons" where the traditions of the past
will have to be balanced with the emerging technology of the future.
In 2002 our theme was "Dragon Spirit" with emphasizes on those who
would inspire us to be better people and to stay in touch with our
own humanity and human spirit.
In 2003 our theme was "Dancing with Dragons" featuring dance from our diverse multi-cultural community in celebration of our commonality and rich cultural heritages.
In 2004 we will not have a festival, but will instead focus our energy and resources on formally establishing our Youth Dragon Boat Racing Program. This is the non-profit organization's primary mission, but due to the overwhelming success of the annual festival and the resources necessary to support its ever growing popularity, we have found it necessary to temporarily suspend this year's festival and return to our primary objective . . . youth development.
Note on your calendars . . . The 8th Annual California International Dragon Boat Festival will be held
on August 13 & 14, 2005. That theme will be the "Return of the Dragon". Life is about understanding our priorities, renewal and resilency. We hope the community will come to appreciate the festival during its absence and come back to see us in 2005. The festival
is one of the only "interactive" festivals in the region and is making
a difference by strengthening our community and establishing linkages from
which we can promote understanding. It will be another fun-filled weekend
featuring performing and visual artists, corporate team building, families
together and multi-generational inter-play. See you then!
Support for all of our endeavers and our festival not only promotes the sport of dragon boat racing,
it also facilitates youth and economic development while helping to develop a strong
sense of community. The California International Dragon Boat Festival is
the only "hands on" interactive event which emphasizes youth, community,
and respect for cultural differences. The festival is a wonderful and validating
experience for young and old alike as they get caught up in the "spirit of
the dragon"!!!
