Family Dream: Represent Team USA in DB Worlds Germany 2025

TEAM USA BOUND: Our Family Dream to Take Flight to Germany!

Tek and Eri here – and we're PUMPED!

We've just been selected to represent Team USA at the 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Germany – our first time competing in the Premier Division (the big leagues!). We're talking about the most elite level of dragon boat racing in the world, and we get to wear the stars and stripes!

The Mission: $12,500 to Make History

We're bringing our two little champions, Harumi and Tatsuhiro, on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Ryuichi will be staying in San Francisco with babysitting. Your support helps cover:

✈️ Flights for 4: ~$4,000

Hotel : ~$2,500

Transportation & Meals: ~$2,500

Competition Fees & Gear: ~$500

Childcare at Home: ~$1,000

Training Camps and Time Trials: ~$2,000

Thank you everyone for the overwhelming support!

We are also adding in some stretch goals as well, listed at the very bottom for $14k, $15.5k, and $17k.

Our Love Story (Powered by Dragon Boats!)

Plot twist: This sport literally brought us together!

Back in 2015, Tek's San Francisco Dragon Warriors hosted Eri's New York Wall Street Dragons at the Kaiser Permanente SF International Dragon Boat Festival. Tek had just competed with Team USA U24 in Canada, while Eri was still finding her paddle legs as a concrete jungle NYC transplant.

Fast forward through years of training, three incredible kids, and countless early morning practices – we're finally living our dream of representing Team USA TOGETHER!

Why This Matters

After years of putting family first (and being gloriously outnumbered 3-to-2 by our amazing kids!), this is our shot to show them – and the world – what dedication and teamwork can achieve. We're not just racing for medals; we're racing for every parent who's ever balanced dreams with diapers, every couple who's supported each other's goals, and every kid who needs to see their parents chase their biggest aspirations.

⏰ T-Minus One Month!

Germany, here we come! But we need our village to get there.

Every dollar gets us closer to the starting line. Whether it's $20 for gas to practice, $50 for a team meal, or $100 for flights – you're literally fueling our family Team USA dream!

Ready to be part of our journey to the podium?

THANK YOU GIFTS FOR OUR SUPPORTERS!

Every donation gets you some swag as our way of saying THANK YOU!!

️ $20+ Donation: Tek Li Coaching sticker - rep TLC wherever you go!

$50+ Donation: Tek Li Coaching wristband + sticker - show your support for our journey!

$100+ Donation: Complete supporter pack - keychain, wristband, AND sticker! The ultimate TLC supporter bundle!

Please DM me your address. All rewards will be mailed after our return from Germany - we'll be too busy training to ship before we leave!

Breakdown of our stretch goals:

$14K = Flight Comfort Upgrade ✈️

Premium economy seats for long international flights

Priority boarding (easier with kids + dragon boat gear)

Extra baggage allowance & in-flight WiFi

Upgraded meal options for the family

$15.5K = Kid-Friendly Experience Fund

Kid-friendly and nice restaurants (no more fast food!)

Local attractions and activities between race days

Babysitting services for a parents' date night

Souvenir shopping budget for the kids

Emergency fund for unexpected family needs

$17K = Memory-Making & Comfort

Special family photoshoot in Germany

Portable WiFi, travel comfort items, snack budget

Laundry services (less packing stress!)

Premium travel insurance