Stony Brook University Seawolves participated in the 10th annual Dragon Boat Race Festival held in Port Jefferson Harbor on September 14. The event, hosted by the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, saw two teams from Stony Brook — Stony Brook Medicine’s “S.S. EmergenSea” and the Stony Brook Seawolves — competing.
Suzanne L. Velázquez, a clinical professor in the School of Social Welfare and member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, served as master of ceremonies.
The festival attracted hundreds of spectators from Long Island and New York City. It commenced with an 8:30 am opening ceremony that included the traditional “Eye Dotting” ceremony, a blessing by Buddhist monks to awaken the dragons, and a performance by the Asian Veterans Color Guard.
Interim President Richard McCormick welcomed the teams to Port Jefferson Village, also known as Seawolves Country. He encouraged them to network and enjoy their day in the community.
Dragon boats raced throughout the day in three-lane heats along a 250-meter course. Each team comprised 20 paddlers, a steersman, and a drummer who maintained synchronicity. Although neither Stony Brook team advanced to the final round, participants enjoyed various festivities including land dragon races and tug-of-war competitions.
Erika Karp, associate director of University and Medicine Community Relations, along with Judy Jaquez, associate director for Diversity, Intercultural and Community Engagement, co-managed the SBU team. Kerri Reino served as captain for SBM's team while Dawn Dawson was SBM’s drummer.
“The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce’s Dragon Boat Race Festival is one of our favorite community traditions,” said Karp. “Our Stony Brook teams had a wonderful time meeting new people, enjoying performances, learning about local businesses and spending the day in beautiful Port Jefferson Village. We are tremendously grateful for the Chamber’s work organizing this event and are proud to be part of it.”
In addition to racing events, attendees enjoyed cultural performances such as Lion Dance, Taiko drumming, and martial arts demonstrations.