2025 Dragon Boat Race

The Asian American Employee Partnership (AAEP) employee resource group participated in the 2025 Dragon Boat Race as a part of the annual Asian Festival in Columbus, Ohio. This tradition began in 2010 when a non-profit arts and culture organization recruited two paddling teams and organized the event, leading to the city’s first Dragon Boat Race. This year, the AAEP team finished in 5th place out of 20 teams. 

Varun Palaniswamy, engineer principal and member of AAEP, shared, “I’m incredibly proud of our AEP team and deeply grateful for everyone’s participation. Despite a drastic change in weather and thunderstorms, the team showed great resilience and didn’t back down from the final race. For many, this was their first time participating, and I was truly impressed by their passion and enthusiasm. We were short a few team members, but thanks to the support of friends and family who stepped in, we were able to compete. I’m very thankful to them as well. We’re already looking forward to the Dragon Boat Race 2026!”