Paddles Up: Toronto's Water Vipers Gear Up to Make Waves at the Prestigious “Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races”

Core Viewpoint - The Water Vipers, a Toronto-based dragon boat team, will represent Canada at the prestigious Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races on June 7-8, 2025, showcasing their dedication and multicultural background [1][2][3]. Group 1: Team Background - The Water Vipers were established in 2008 and consist of members aged 20 to 40 from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Italian, British, African, and Indian [2]. - The team is known for its commitment to high-quality training and performance while accommodating members' other commitments, emphasizing fitness, inclusiveness, growth, and passion [5]. Group 2: Achievements and Leadership - The Water Vipers have previously won the Grand Champion title at the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge and the Pharmasave Woodstock Dragon Boat Festival in 2024, highlighting their competitive success [4]. - The team is led by Andrew Liew, who has nearly 20 years of experience in paddling and coaching, and is also the owner of Afterburn Fitness Club [3]. Group 3: Event Details - The Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races will feature over 190 teams from 12 countries and regions, transforming the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade into a vibrant festival [1][7]. - The event is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, attracting elite paddlers globally [6].