Most countries in the world have sporting traditions and competitions linked closely to their cultures, but few have a national sport with roots dug deep into its culture with greater historical significance than dragon boat racing. In a traditional society such as China, dragon boat racing represents historical, cultural, and recreational events wrapped up into one big rice dumpling (dzungdz). In short, the sport originated centuries ago. A popular poet and statesman named Chu Yuan was an advisor to the court. Frustrated by the courts refusal to heed his advice, he jumped into a river and drowned himself. When the villagers heard what had happened, they jumped into their boats and raced to find him. Drums were banged to scare the fish away and rice dumplings were thrown into the water for fish to eat so the fish would not eat Chu Yuan. Since that time, dragon boat races have been held on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. Even though Chu Yuan's body is long gone, his spirit endures and boats race across the water to the beat of a drum and try to be the first to reach the flag. Every year the MTC sponsors a team of students to participate in this traditional sport. The team represents the MTC, but could be considered a United Nations team as team members include Koreans, Japanese, Hungarians, Germans, Danish, French, Americans, etc.

Preparing for such an event requires much training and the MTC provided such training every morning at 6:30, so as not to affect classes. After several weeks of land exercises, the team heads for the NTNU swimming pool to practice the paddle stroke in the water. After perfecting the traditional style, the team is ready to start rowing on the Tan Shui River.

Each dragon boat is elaborately painted to resemble a dragon and has a large dragon head at the bow and tail rising out of the stern. Eighteen to twenty-four rowers are in each boat and the rowers learn to keep time with the drum. By mid-May the weather can be quite hot and 6:30 a.m. is a very pleasant part of the day before the sun is hot and traffic congestion starts. On some mornings the river is bedded with fog and gives one the impression of being in a Chinese landscape painting. Cranes fly overhead and lush mountains frame the background. Many times fishermen are seen rowing small boats across the river as their ancestors may have done centuries ago. The fishermen and their boats resemble relics of days gone by in this fast paced metropolis. Each day after practice, the team enjoys a delicious Chinese breakfast prepared by the MTC staff. A quick shower and off to class or the library while most of Taipei is just waking to face a hot hectic day.

Each year about 100 teams compete in the Chung Chen Cup Tournament. Teams come as far away as Canada, Germany, England, and Australia to vie for the first prize trophy and cash prizes. Following the two-day tournament is a banquet hosted by the Taipei Dragon Boat Association. Each team performs skits or special entertainment, such as native folk dances, to supply the proper atmosphere. Then disco lights, dancing, and singing favorite rowing songs from around the world add flavor to the festive moment. The team from Orchid Island is famous for leading the overseas teams in a folk dance that forms a massive chain of dancers weaving in and out of the dining room. It is debatable which is more fun--the training, racing, or post tournament banquets. The MTC also honors the rowers with their own banquet, which doubles as a going away party as tears are shed for the team members who return home. The students who continue their studies at the MTC dream and start planning the following year's schedule around dragon boating.