About Us

The Asian American Dragon Boat Association (AADBA) is a non profit organization form through a union of community leaders, business owners and non profit organizations joined together toward a common goal -- bettering our community!

AADBA is a non partizan to political parties, sex, ethnicity or religous affiliation. We are a 501 (c)(3) and a Non-For-Profit Corporation whose mission is to promote the tradition of dragon boating, increase awareness of Asian culture, promote higher education, leadership training and enhance cross-cultural understanding.

Mission Statement

To organize an AADBA Dragon Boat Festival, based on ancient myths and legends, to be held annually in Tacoma, Washington; and to increase awareness of Asian culture, traditions of dragon boat racing and enhance cross-cultural understanding, for the citizens of Seattle-Tacoma and surrounding area.

Audiences

1. Paddlers
2. Fans of paddlers & festival attendees
3. Potential paddlers
4. Festival volunteers
5. Business community
6. Media

Goals

1. Provide youth programs centered on team work, education scholarship programs and leadership skills.
2. Strengthen relationships among different ethnic and cultural groups, businesses, non profit organizations, and other community leaders both locally, nationally, and internationally.
3. Generate a positive and enthusiastic environment for paddlers and teams.
4. Educate the general public and sponsors about the sport of dragon boat racing.
5. Increase a strong volunteer base of individuals who enthusiastically organize and promote dragon boat racing as a sport.
6. Bring awareness, appreciation and a better understanding of a dragon boat racing and of Asian culture and heritage.
7. Sponsor, promote, or facilitate local and international dragon boat competitions.
8. Promote dragon boat racing as a sport for amateur athletes, and prepare them for national and international races.
9. Maintain facilities and equipment for dragon boating education, practice and competing events.
10. Provide charitable contributions to other non profit organizations.

Objectives

1. Acquire sponsorships from corporations and the business community for sufficient financial support to produce a quality Festival annually.
2. Develop a public awareness campaign through use of media and retain relationship with Tacoma's media in order to promote the AADBA Dragon Boat Festival.
3. Ensure an adequate number of teams annually for the enjoyment of sponsors, spectators, and that the paddlers.
4. Ensure the Festival provides a variety of activities for all ages, including: entertainment, games, food, and basic amenities.
5. Ensure adequate volunteer base for a well operating Festival, and recognize individuals who partake in the event each year.