Celebrating Culture & Connection

Every year, UCA WAVES joins Asian Focus NC for Asia Fest, a celebration of Asian culture, community, and connection. We first participated in the Dragon Boat Race in 2025, and in 2026, we returned with our very own team, the Water Eagles! Along with racing, we connected with the community through our Family Well-Being Booth, cultural programming, performances and more. Learn more at the button below!

In 2026, UCA WAVES returned to Asia Fest with more ways to celebrate culture, community, and connection, including our very own Water Eagles dragon boat team, a Family Well-Being Booth, and a special bilingual performance celebrating our 10th anniversary!

Made up largely of Karen youth, the Water Eagles took on their first-ever dragon boat competition after just four practices, building teamwork, confidence, leadership, and resilience along the way. Our volunteers also came together from five cities to perform 三句半 (Three and a Half Sentences), while our Family Well-Being Booth offered mental health education, resources, activities, and food. From the racecourse to the stage, it was a day filled with teamwork, laughter, cultural celebration, and meaningful connection. What a wonderful way to celebrate a decade of WAVES!

In 2025, WAVES joined the fun at the annual Dragon Boat Festival, marking our first time participating in the races!

Our volunteers promoted wellness through childhood games, meaningful conversations, and community outreach. We connected with many AAPI organizations and leaders, shared information about our conference, and invited participants to take part in the AAPI Health Priority Survey. From setting up to practicing with the CAFA Racing Team, it was a day filled with teamwork, laughter, and authentic connection. Where would we be without such an amazing community?