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It was the first Saturday in June, and the day of the much-anticipated 8th Annual Dragon Boat Regatta at the Canal Dock Boathouse had finally arrived. By 6:45 a.m., competitors began to arrive on the platform, straining to see the anchored buoys, marking the start and end of the racecourse, through the thick early-morning fog.

Tents decorated in creative themes served as campsites. Among the teams was the University of New Haven’s very own Charlie’s �������Թ�s, embracing the university’s brand, Power On! Their tent proudly displayed the University’s Biology and Environmental Science department banner and lightning bolt decorations.

Charlie’s �������Թ�s, a dynamic crew of students, faculty, staff, and their families, greeted one another with excitement and fueled up before their first big race. This was the University’s second year participating in the annual event. The University’s participation in this high-energy event highlights tradition, teamwork, and community spirit, offering �������Թ�s the opportunity to demonstrate our sense of unity, discipline, and collaboration. By joining in this spirited competition, the University of New Haven showcases teamwork and discipline, and fosters connections between the University and our local community.

The boat was powered by a spirited crew of paddlers, including Eva Sapi, Ph.D. (Chair), Bryce DuBois, Ph.D., Ali Sanejani, Ph.D., Michael Sellers, Jean-Paul Simjouw, Ph.D., Marta Taddeo, Ph.D., Jeffrey Hunt, Curtis Clark, Ed.D, Ujjal Banik ’25 M.S., Daniel Folloni ’26, Jay Pandya ’25 M.S., Michela Melillo, M.S., Steve Echaria, Dana Brinker-Simjouw, and Zack Jaser. I am proud to serve as team captain.

Keeping rhythm was the team’s vibrant drummer, Mahima Jain ’26 M.S., who rocked a metallic dragon cape and a thunderbolt-embellished headband.

Our favorite mascot Charlie the �������Թ� and his team brought an electrifying energy that lit up the event with unwavering cheers, lively dances to DJ Chris Hughes’ beats, and a sky-high spirit, even in the face of tough competition. Whether paddling to the finish line or catching their breath between heats, Charlie made sure the team stayed pumped, proud, and united. The result was an outstanding third-place finish, clinched by just 0.39 seconds. The time was only 1.06 seconds behind second place. Charlie's �������Թ�s also received the Team Spirit Award for the second consecutive year, showcasing, once again, that their energy and enthusiasm are truly unmatched.

Beyond the thrill of racing, the day was a vibrant celebration of community, energy, and fun. One participant captured the spirit perfectly, saying: “On top of the dragon boat competition being thrilling, wet, and a terrific workout, I was struck by just how fun the dragon boat atmosphere was… Music was playing (the DJ deserved a medal all his own), there were food trucks, coffee, families, cheers from every team to every team, and of course, dressed-up tents and boathouses. My three-year-old didn't watch much of the racing (next year!), but he had the time of his life. It was a terrific way to represent the University of New Haven, as the competitive — but also welcoming and friendly — place that we know it to be.”

The team extends heartfelt thanks to all the incredible supporters who came out to cheer us on — including Ophelie Rowe-Allen, Ed.D, vice president of student affairs and dean of students; Ashley Dunn, associate dean of students, Diane Polo, MPH, associate director for health, wellness education, and prevention, and other members of the �������Թ� community and their families.

The cheers echoed across the water, and the roars fueled our fire. We’re also deeply grateful to everyone in the �������Թ� community whose efforts made our participation possible. Lastly, a huge thank-you to the Canal Dock Boathouse for hosting such a fantastic event and bringing together so many passionate community members.

Rozina Jaser, M.S., is a practitioner in residence in the biology and environmental science department.