Congratulations to Dr Penny Ding, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film, and UK Deputy Director of the Confucius Institute, on being selected to represent Great Britain at the 16th EDBF （European Dragon Boat Federation) European Nations Championships in Munich, Germany, taking place from 8–12 July 2026.
The biennial championships will bring together teams from all 29 EDBF member countries to compete for continental honours, making it one of the sport’s most prestigious international events. Dr Ding will compete as a member of the GB Senior A squad against Europe’s top national teams.
Alongside her academic leadership, she has played a leading role in developing dragon boating among university students in North West England and in Liverpool’s secondary schools, inspiring participation and strengthening community engagement through sport.
What started as a commitment to event leadership soon became a passion. Today, Dr Ding is both a competitive paddler and a drummer and is now proud to wear the Great Britain colours on the international stage.
Selection for the GB team followed a highly competitive trial process. Performances at this year’s European Championships will also help determine the squad that will represent Great Britain at next year’s World Championships.
Reflecting on her selection, Dr Ding said:
“I’m incredibly honoured and excited to represent Great Britain, although I have to admit I’m also very nervous! This has been the result of a year of focused training and dedication. We have a wonderful team, outstanding coach and leadership, our Coach and Manager Chris Hesling and Admin Manager Emily Neville-Taylor are fantastic leaders, and we’ve built a great team spirit.
"Dragon boating is all about teamwork—it’s not about individual performance, but about moving together in perfect synchronisation, trusting one another and giving everything for the team. I have every confidence that we’ll perform strongly and hopefully bring home some medals.”
We wish Dr Ding and the GB team every success at the Championships.