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A student IMechE Dragon Boat team in Hong Kong is inspiring young mechanical engineers
A IMechE student group in Hong Kong has established a dragon boat race team called 'Mech Dragons.'
The group was launched in 2014 and this year has participated in three dragon boat races. Dragon boat racing is a water sport which has its roots in an ancient folk ritual of contending villagers, which has been held for over 2000 years throughout southern China.
The team has taken part in the Stanley International Dragon Boat Championship, the Ap Lei Chau Dragon Boat Race and the Sai Kung Dragon Boat Race, where they compete against the top professional dragon boat teams in Hong Kong.
The group prides itself in inspiring young mechanical engineers and team captain Michael Lee explains that teamwork is the most important element for the dragon boat race members. He said: “Through the regular practice and participation in races, team members learn that a single effort does not work, and one paddle will only allow the dragon boat to rotate. The team members learn how to build up engagement and good relationships through focusing on a common goal. In every race, we are not competing with others, we are competing ourselves to break our own records.”
Lee explains that through dragon race participation, members are able to network with other engineers to help them to build confidence when facing difficulties and challenges in their careers. Moreover, it has a positive impact on team building for the Institution's Hong Kong Branch Committee and YM Section team members.
Lee said: “Commitment, motivation, intensity, willpower and eagerness unifies engineers from Student Affiliate and Associate status through to Chartered Engineers and Fellows twice per month to boost up the power, stamina and team spirit.”
The team is now recruiting for more new members with passion and desire for the excitement of dragon boating to be part of the team. “In the near future, we would like to engage members from different regions of IMechE to form an international team to promote Mechanical Engineering,” Lee added.
You can watch the "IMECHE Dragon Boat Highlights" on YouTube and read more about the Hong Kong Branch and the Hong Kong Young Members Section on the NearYou pages of the IMechE website.