Big Win for Webster Leiden at Dragonboat Races

Webster Leiden’s alumni community showed up in full force last weekend for the annual Dragonboat Races, held along the canal in front of campus as part of Leiden’s citywide Lakenfeesten.

For over 15 years, Webster Leiden has taken part in this high-energy tradition — the largest inner-city Dragonboat competition in the Netherlands.

In a standout moment for the University, the Webster Gorloks clocked a heat-winning time of 1 minute and 3 seconds during their second race. The crowd erupted as the team surged across the finish line, marking one of Webster’s strongest performances to date.

The team was made up of alumni, students, faculty, staff and even family members. This cross-generational mix reflects the collaborative spirit of the Webster community. That energy carried beyond the water, with supporters lining the canal to cheer the team on.

The Dragonboat Races are a highlight of Lakenfeesten, a citywide celebration featuring music, parades, street food and canal-side festivities. More than 25 local teams compete annually, making it one of Leiden’s most festive and competitive events.

Christine Benninger, Webster Leiden Alumni Affairs Coordinator, said, "This win is a powerful reminder of what our Webster community can achieve together. Seeing our alumni community racing and cheering side by side was something truly special."

Webster graduates are encouraged to stay connected through the alumni network, with access to exclusive benefits and invitations to events like the Dragonboat Races.