A day marked by togetherness and the inclusive power of sport, in a spectacular setting and with a spirit of competition that celebrates teamwork stroke after stroke. Following the great success of 2024, the Barcolana Dragon Boat University Challenge returned this year as part of the 57ᵗʰ edition of the Barcolana, organised by CUS Trieste (UniTS sports centre) in collaboration with the University of Trieste, CUS Venezia, the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano and with the support of the Regional Council of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

The event saw the dragon-headed and dragon-tailed boats race in the San Giusto Basin, crewed by students from the teams of CUS Trieste, CUS Bari, CUS Venezia and CUS Udine, with the latter joining the ranks of the two Venetian formations (CUS Venezia Ca’ Foscari and CUS Venezia Iuav). After the traditional Eye-Dotting Ceremony, a ritual of Chinese origin wishing good fortune to the boats, the four teams, each composed of 16 athletes, competed fiercely over the 150-metre course alongside Molo Audace.

CUS Trieste enjoyed the satisfaction of claiming victory at home, first completing the qualifying rounds unbeaten with three wins out of three, and then defeating CUS Bari once again in the much-anticipated final for first and second place. The third step of the podium went to CUS Venezia Ca’ Foscari, which won the Venetian derby against CUS Venezia Iuav in the race for third and fourth place.

The final ranking therefore saw the triumph of CUS Trieste (1ˢᵗ) ahead of CUS Bari (2ⁿᵈ), CUS Venezia Ca’ Foscari (3ʳᵈ) and CUS Venezia Iuav (4ᵗʰ).

The Rector of the University of Trieste, Donata Vianelli, underlined ‘This afternoon dedicated to fun and togetherness, once again demonstrates that our university environment is not only about research and study but also embraces sport and its values. The Barcolana Dragon Boat University Challenge, which brings together various institutions capable of joining forces and creating productive synergies, has proven once again to be a valuable opportunity to express the unifying power of sporting practice – a sport such as Dragon Boat is inclusive and offers participants a unique experience of mutual understanding and a culture of collective strength.’

‘The university is a fundamental pillar in the education of young people,’ commented Mitja Gialuz, President of the Società Velica di Barcola e Grignano, ‘not only on a cultural level but also in terms of personal and ethical growth. Today, the Italian Constitution recognises sport as an essential instrument of education, and I believe that universities, through the CUS network, can and must increasingly promote sport as an integral part of the academic journey. In this sense, the Barcolana Dragon Boat University Challenge represents an extraordinary example: it connects the academic world with the spirit of the sea and teamwork, bringing to the Barcolana a discipline that perfectly embodies the values of cooperation, energy and inclusion.’

‘Building on the success of the 2024 edition,’ emphasised Michele Pipan, President of CUS Trieste, ‘Dragon Boat has returned on a broader scale, proving to be a valuable tool for promoting solidarity in sporting effort, teamwork and inclusion. The 2025 edition was held in this spirit, involving participants of all levels of ability, gender and nationality. The main goal — highlighting cooperation among athletes who, each in their own way, can contribute to achieving a common objective — was fully achieved. I would like to thank the teams from CUS Bari, CUS Venezia and CUS Udine, who were keen to take part in this event.’