Dragon boating is more than just a competition for Berlin’s students

The Dragon Boat Indoor Cup is just a sporting competition? Are you kidding me? Are you serious when you say that! The event, which took place for the second time last Friday, combines team spirit, perseverance and career orientation and also offers Berlin students the opportunity to develop prospects for their professional future. This becomes clear when you take a look at the swimming and diving hall in the Europasportpark.

When the students get out of the boat, they are wet, but you can see how happy they are that they made it. The classes have eight rounds to prove that they are the best among the 36. Time that is filled with effort, but also fun and anticipation.

Of course, not every class can win, but anyone who finishes a little worse than the others in the dragon boat race can still go to the various stands of the Berlin youth vocational agencies. These are offered to the students present.

Through various donations, the dragon boat race has grown from a small idea into a large project in recent years. “It is an association of the Berlin pools as well as the Berlin youth vocational training agencies and of course the schools,” says Lutz Neumann, chairman of the management of the employment agency in Berlin-Mitte. “The respective teachers or vocational training advisors register the schools for this.”

The youth employment agency offers various stands in the swimming pool. This gives the students the opportunity to get a broad overview. The whole thing is intended to help them choose internships and later decide on a career.

“The boat race is intended to increase your stamina, but also your motivation to keep going when things don’t work out,” says Neumann. “That something can be very strenuous and still not be given up.” This is exactly what the students should experience here in the swimming pool.

One is drumming, the others are paddling

Two boats with ten students from each class compete against each other. The tension in the air is almost palpable. They direct the paddle, focus, and when the “go” sound is heard, the students paddle as fast as they can. When the round is over, everyone laughs and talks. Some even jump into the water to cool off, even if that’s not what they’re supposed to do. “We’re taking part just for fun,” says participant Jack, for example.

Since the Dragon Boat Indoor Cup takes place in January, it cannot be held on the lake, as is usual for dragon boats. That’s why the swimming and diving hall in the Europasportpark was made available.

A companion sits at the front of the boat and drums the rhythm to which the students paddle. The boats are connected with a revolving pulley, so the team that paddles the fastest is at the front and pulls the other team to the back. The whole thing lasts a minute, during which time the team has to paddle with all their might. Whoever can prevail round after round wins a trophy at the end.

Regardless of who lifts it up in the end, it’s worth watching alone. The approximately 900 participating students and accompanying persons ensure a good atmosphere and cheer each other on. It is impressive to see how well the classes in the boats harmonize with each other.