SUSS Dragon Boat x DB Hearts Challenge 2025: Celebrating Inclusivity, Teamwork and Community Through Sport

2025 marks the third year that the SUSS Dragon Boat Team has been involved in the DB Hearts initiative – a community-driven effort co-organised by SUSS Dragon Boat members and dedicated individuals from the wider dragon boating community. What began in 2023 with SUSS paddlers lending support eventually evolved into an active co-organising role in 2024 and 2025. This progression reflects the team’s deepening commitment to championing inclusivity through sport.

All participants gathering to create the iconic HEART formation symbolising unity, compassion, and the spirit of DB Hearts.

The DB Hearts Challenge 2025 brought together more than 130 participants, including 52 persons with disabilities (PWDs) and 60 survivors of critical or chronic illness. Designed as an inclusive sporting platform, the event reinforced the belief that dragon boating can create meaningful opportunities for participation, empowerment, and connection.

For many SUSS Dragon Boat members, returning for the third consecutive year offered a richer, more grounded understanding of inclusivity shaped by honest conversations, shared effort, and the camaraderie built both on land and across the water.

Among the participating teams, Different Dragons shone brightly for their spirited energy. Comprised of paddlers with cognitive differences, the team radiated enthusiasm throughout the day. SUSS members supporting race operations shared how the paddlers would gather excitedly after each heat, eager to check their timings. Their joy served as a potent reminder that sport is not merely about winning; it is about dignity, expression, and a sense of belonging.

SUSS Dragon Boat drummer, Claire Woon, gearing up to lead the team onto the water for their race

Survivors of critical and chronic illnesses also offered heartfelt reflections about their journeys. For many, dragon boating has become a pathway to rebuilding strength, confidence, and a sense of community. Watching them paddle with resilience underscored how sport can catalyse healing, empowerment, and renewed purpose.

SUSS Dragon Boat members Reann Tan, Isaac Lim, and Joel Ang supporting logistics and preparation for the medal ceremony.

Throughout the event, SUSS Dragon Boat members witnessed how every participant – regardless of ability – was celebrated with the same enthusiasm and respect. This atmosphere captured the essence of DB Hearts: creating an environment where everyone is encouraged, acknowledged, and included.

Reflections from SUSS Dragon Boat Members:

Joel Ang, Year 3, Bachelor of Human Resource Management

“Interacting with the PWD paddlers challenged my assumptions about ability and dependence. They didn’t seek sympathy – they simply wanted to be treated as fellow athletes. Their confidence reminded me that inclusivity begins when we recognise and respect each person’s strengths.”

Benjamin Teng, Year 3, Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Captain

“Speaking with survivors of chronic illness taught me how important community is to recovery. Many shared how dragon boating gave them structure, purpose, and support. Seeing how sport can rebuild not just physical ability but also hope was incredibly inspiring.”

Nada Tay, Year 2, Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, Vice-Captain

“My biggest takeaway was how small acts – cheering, guiding, listening – can make a meaningful difference. I realised that service isn’t about doing things for others but walking alongside them. The paddlers showed me what everyday courage and resilience truly look like.”

A Moment of Unity

Participants forming the Passage of Victory to cheer on PWD paddlers as they returned from their well-fought race.

A defining moment of the event was the Passage of Victory, where participants from all teams formed a pathway to welcome PWD paddlers back from their final race. The applause, cheers, and heartfelt encouragement created a powerful scene of solidarity – a living symbol of the community spirit at the heart of DB Hearts.

Looking Forward

SUSS Dragon Boat paddlers at the Award Presentation Ceremony, proudly receiving the Silver Medal (2nd Place).

The DB Hearts Challenge 2025 reaffirmed the importance of building inclusive sporting environments where individuals of all abilities can grow and thrive. For the SUSS Dragon Boat Team, this third year of involvement has deepened their commitment to service, empathy, and community-building.

Moving forward, the team hopes to continue co-creating initiatives that honour the dignity, potential, and aspirations of every individual – paddling together toward a more inclusive and compassionate future.