On September 22nd, TAP-Chicago’s very own dragon boat team, TAP-Chicago Thunder, will participate in its final race of the season. It has been a wonderful season, and we’ve medaled at every single race!

Below is a World Journal article written right after our second race, which took place in Chinatown. Look at us with our proud smiles, red uniforms, and medals. Want us to keep those smiles? Come cheer for us in UW Oshkosh at the end of September, or even better, join us for this final race. Your support will give us the strength to win another medal. Go, TAP Thunder!

Chicago Taiwanese American Professionals Look Forward to Another Good Performance at the Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival

By Chen Jia-Qian, Reporter July 27, 2012 06:00 AM

[Photo caption:] Team members of the Chicago Taiwanese American Professionals happily show off their bronze medals after taking third place at the 2012 Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce Dragon Boat Race. (Photo courtesey of reporter Chen Jia-Qian)

Chicago (World Journal)–The Chicago Taiwanese American Professionals took the bronze medal a few days ago at the 2012 Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce Dragon Boat Race, and are looking forward to another good performance at the 2012 Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival in Arlington Heights this Saturday (July 28^th).

Last Saturday, the Chicago Taiwanese American Professionals took third place by a mere 0.04 seconds at their first dragon boat race hosted by the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce.  Before the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce boat race, they also participated in a race in the western suburb of St. Charles. For the series of dragon boat races this year, the organization specially designed red T-shirts as their uniforms.

President Hauwei Lien explained that the organization, founded four years ago, now has around 700 members between the ages 20 to 40, from all trades and professions. The organization hosts a variety of events, including volunteer tutoring sessions for children, dog-walking events for canine rescue organizations, networking events, cultural events such as Taiwanese movie screenings, and sporting events such as volleyball. They also host events during such holidays as the Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival.

An estimated 60 teams will participate in the Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival in Arlington Heights. Hauwei Lien welcomes everyone to come out and cheer for their team this weekend; the organization also encourages interested individuals to join the team. More information about the event can be found at http://tapchicago.org

Source: WorldJournal.com