Claudio Schermi takes part in a dragon boat race. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

Claudio Schermi, president of the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF), along with officials including He Yi, director of the Historical and Cultural Heritage Committee of IDBF, and Wang Chengyun, vice president of the Chinese Dragon Boat Association, visited Wenzhou to assess the city's dragon boat-related initiatives on March 30.

Upon arrival, the delegation visited Wenzhou's Dragon Boat Park, where Claudio was immediately captivated by the bronze dragon boat sculptures. Inside the park's water pavilion exhibition hall, they were impressed by the vibrant displays, particularly the lifelike wooden puppets representing traditional Wenzhou culture.

Their visit extended to the Wenzhou Dragon Boat Sports Center, where they attended a charity event. They also explored the Wenzhou Dragon Boat Culture Museum, where they marveled at the diverse dragon boat culture, expressing admiration for Wenzhou's rich heritage.

Claudio proposed Wenzhou as a potential host for the International Dragon Boat World Cup in 2026 and the World Dragon Boat Championships in 2027, emphasizing the city's suitability for such prestigious events.

Wenzhou's efforts to become the "World Dragon Boat City" have gained momentum in recent years, with a focus on infrastructure development, cultural promotion, and international collaboration. These endeavors aim to showcase Wenzhou's long-standing dragon boat tradition on the global stage.