On October 13th, in Sanya, Hainan, the Hainan men’s dragon boat team began their preparations for the upcoming 12th National Traditional Sports Games for Ethnic Minorities. With chants of “Hey yo, strength! Hey yo, speed! Hey yo, pull together!” echoing along the riverbank, the team arrived early at their training venue. After a quick warm-up, they took to the water in perfect unison, paddling together harmoniously.

The Games will take place from November 22 to 30 in Sanya. Dragon boating, rooted in traditional Chinese folk culture, was officially included as a competitive event in the 4th National Traditional Sports Games for Ethnic Minorities in 1991.

Assistant coach Huang Chentao shared that this year’s team consists of 22 paddlers, one drummer, one helmsman, and two substitutes, representing various ethnic groups including the Li, Miao, and Zhuang. The team is currently in intense training.

“Dragon boating emphasizes teamwork and unity,” said Wang Yunfu, the coach for the water sports division of the Hainan delegation. Initially, the paddlers’ skills varied greatly, but after more than two months of training, their camaraderie has deepened. “Now, we’ve reached a point where everyone on the boat is aligned in spirit and effort, significantly improving our overall performance.”

The Games provide a platform for ethnic交流 and cultural exchange. During breaks, team members share their unique customs and traditions, enriching each other’s understanding of their diverse backgrounds through local dialects, food, music, and scenic beauty.

Li Xiaoshan, a young man from the Li ethnic group, mentioned that during downtime, he enjoys showcasing the bamboo pole dance from his culture. A Yi ethnic team member from Sichuan shared the history of the Torch Festival, while a Zhuang team member from Guangxi entertained everyone with a beautiful folk song.

“I introduced the team to Zhuang cuisine, like five-color rice and fragrant duck. It made everyone salivate,” laughed Qin Wenxiang, another member from Guangxi. After months of practice, he noted that the 20 members have become like brothers, talking openly among themselves. The exchange has fostered a deeper appreciation for each other’s cultural heritages, highlighting the harmony among China’s 56 ethnic groups.