From the first blow of the referee’s whistle the two teams fight over possession of the ball, no player being allowed to keep it for more than five seconds before passing it to a teammate with hands or paddles, ... or before scoring a goal. Tackling a ball-holding player including boat is permitted! The hard-hitting action justifies every piece of protective gear worn by the players. Canoe polo puts in its second appearance in The World Games during 2009 Kaohsiung.

The thrills and spills of the fast-paced ball game convinces everyone taking in the action. The sleek kayak hulls will clash relentlessly at the Lotus Lake venue. And the spectators will agree: canoe polo is not a sport for wusses or athletes squeamish about getting their hair wet. There are good reasons for the players to wear helmets with a facemask and a body protection.

 Canoe Polo

Invitational Sport 2005 and 2009:

Dragon Boat Racing

The ritualistic Dragon Boat Race is defined by the hypnotic drumbeat which determines and synchronises the cadence of the paddlers. The drummer sits facing the crew, next to the wooden dragon’s head. The standing helmsman keeps the craft on course with a sweep oar rigged at the rear of the boat. The twenty athletes – including a minimum of eight women – sit in pairs and strike only on one side. The races originated in southern central China more than 2,500 years ago, along the banks of such iconic rivers as the Yangtze. They were the basis for annual water rituals and festival celebrations venerating the traditional Dragon deity.

 Dragon Boat Racing