Breaking Boundaries, Riding the Wind — NorthStar Special Needs Dragon Boat Team Wins Championship in Their Debut
- NSNS
- Aug 12
- 4 min read
Translated from original Chinese report
On August 9, 2025, at the Welland International Flatwater Centre in Ontario, an extraordinary team made a stunning impression — the NorthStar Dragon Boat Team swept all three races to win first place in the Special Needs division! This large-scale event featured more than 50 teams from across regions, and NorthStar’s victory was a true testament to their strength and skill.
Formed in May 2025, this was NorthStar’s first competition. The team consists of 10 children with autism and other special needs, alongside 10 volunteers (helpers). After three months of rigorous training, they debuted with overwhelming wins in all three races, showcasing exceptional teamwork and determination.
Dragon Boat: An Ancient and Powerful Team Sport
Originating in China over 2,000 years ago, dragon boat racing combines strength, rhythm, and teamwork in a water sport. Each boat typically holds 20 paddlers, 1 drummer, and 1 steersperson. The drummer sets the pace, the steersperson controls direction, and the paddlers work in unison to propel the boat forward at high speed. Dragon boat racing tests not only physical strength but also team coordination and mental resilience, making it a highly inclusive and inspiring sport.
Caption: Scene from the 3rd Annual Hope Floats Dragon Boat Festival
For these reasons, NorthStar Special Needs Society (NSNS) chose dragon boating as one of their intervention programs. Coach Wei Peng explains, “Dragon boating has no physical contact, a low entry barrier, and emphasizes teamwork and rhythm — making it very suitable for children with special needs. With proper training, they can find belonging and achievement in this sport.”
Scientific Training to Unlock Potential
Coach Wei has over 20 years of dragon boat experience and 8 years of coaching, currently serving at one of Canada’s top dragon boat clubs and having trained multiple national team athletes. His son, Harvey Wei, recently represented Canada at the World Dragon Boat Championships in Germany with excellent results, and his daughter Elizabeth plays a key role on the NorthStar team.
To accommodate the children’s needs, Coach Wei developed a scientific training method: sessions include 20 minutes of training followed by breaks to help maintain focus; each child is paired with a volunteer for one-on-one guidance and companionship. This “buddy” system not only improved skills but also boosted the children’s social abilities and confidence.
Transformations in Children with Autism: From Silence to Shouting
At the start of training, many children felt anxious in unfamiliar environments and group activities, some unable to make eye contact or follow instructions. But as training progressed, they gradually built trust in their partners, began mimicking movements, responding to drumbeats, and even actively joining team chants before races.
Even more heartening, the children moved from “I” to “We.” They began caring about teammates’ performance, encouraged each other, and voluntarily helped organize equipment after training. A sense of collective honor quietly blossomed — they were no longer just participants but true team members, part of the “North Star” family.
One parent shared emotionally, “My child rarely expressed emotions before and kept to himself, but now he says, ‘I want to paddle faster, I think we can win.’ It almost brought me to tears.” For children with special needs, every success is a life-changing breakthrough, and these positive changes ripple out to families. Coaches observed that children learned to wait, listen, cooperate, and displayed unprecedented focus and team spirit during competition.
The Power of Volunteers: Every Moment of Support Lights Hope
The success of the NorthStar Dragon Boat Team relies heavily on the selfless dedication of volunteers. They serve not only as trainers but also as emotional supporters, trust-builders, and witnesses to growth. Every patient demonstration, seamless cooperation, and encouraging glance is the foundation for the children’s progress.
This growth is mutual. Volunteer Dora Han shared, “I thought I was just here to help, but I gained so much more. The children taught me the power of respect, listening, and true trust.” She added, “In our team, everyone contributes equally and deserves understanding. We’re all in the same boat, paddling toward the same goal.”
Victory is Not Just a Trophy, But a Testament to Growth
The team’s ages range from 8 to 17, with varied physical abilities, but all share a steadfast attitude toward training and competition. Before the final race, they placed their hands together, shouted “North Star” three times, and after the race, held up their paddles and waved to parents and friends on shore. This was not just a competition win — it marked a milestone in the children’s development.
Founded in 2022, NorthStar Special Needs Society is one of Ontario’s most distinctive nonprofits, dedicated to providing specialized support to children with special needs through sports therapy. To date, over 500 children have participated in more than ten programs including skiing, skating, table tennis, camping, and rafting. The organization aims to be Canada’s leading sports support institution for children with special needs.
In 2025, NorthStar plans to hold over 40 public charity events for children with autism, covering a variety of sports, arts, and social projects. Through advocacy and outreach, they hope to raise greater societal awareness, care, and respect for the autistic community, helping them grow into independent, whole, and dignified individuals.
NorthStar Dragon Boat Team’s victory is the best expression of perseverance and faith. With scientific sports interventions and broad social support, every child can find their unique path to growth and shine with their own light.
