My name is Andy Wong and I have been paddling dragon boats and OC-1 for about 3 and a half years now.

This year, I decided to train and try out for Team USA Sr. A. who will be competing at IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships 2025.

The whole experience was exciting and fun, from working on technique to the new friendships and bonds that were made at time trials and training camp. I anxiously waited for a whole month. Even while traveling, it was on my mind. Even though I tried not to let it show, I was eagerly waiting to find out the result of many, many months of hard work and training.

I was beginning to get discouraged when out of the blue, I received a text: "When are you free to talk?" I saw the message in the middle of work (I am a teacher) and my mind went bananas. I'm thinking I need to say NOW, I can talk NOW! But it was still like an hour before the kids' recess, so I didn't respond for like 50 minutes. The whole time I thought, they're gonna scratch my name off and give it to someone else. Ten minutes before recess, I responded with, "My lunch is in 10 minutes," and so the rest is history. I was offered a spot on the team, which I accepted.

Which brings us here. The costs of travel, lodging, and jerseys are no small amount, at least for me they aren't. I am humbly asking for donations to help offset any of these costs. Any amount you choose to donate is appreciated. I am super proud to represent the USA in this cycle of IDBF Worlds in Germany this summer.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story!