The Dragon Awakes

From Shadwell Solander to Shadwell Dragons

Shadwell Solander crew in the 1990s
01
1990's

The Solander Era

It started at Shadwell Basin with a group of friends and a shared heritage. We were Shadwell Solander, the first all-Bangladeshi crew to ever enter the British Dragon Boat Association (BDA) circuit.

Under the expert guidance of Trainer Vas Hirani and Team Manager Mike Thomas, we were transformed from local underdogs into a tactical powerhouse. We didn't just compete; we climbed every division, eventually breaking into the Premier Division.

We weren't just paddling for trophies; we were paddling for our identity.

Team memories
02
1990's — 2022

The 25-Year Hibernation

Then, life happened. The "Shadwell Solander Boys" became men with careers, families and decades of responsibilities took over.

For nearly 25 years, the paddles were stored away and the dragon lay dormant.

Our glory days became stories told at weddings and family dinners, a legend of our youth.

Dragon boat racing action
03
2022

The Birmingham Spark

Fate intervened at a festival in Birmingham.

A few original members stepped into a boat to help a local team and suddenly the fire was back.

The muscle memory returned.
The rhythm of the drum took hold.
The hunger was reignited.

Shadwell Dragons reunion
04
The Reunion

Shadwell Dragons

One afternoon in Birmingham sparked a movement. Phone calls were made, old teammates were tracked down and the original crew assembled from retirement, older, wiser and ready to dominate.

We rebranded as the Shadwell Dragons, merging our Shadwell Solander roots with a new mission.

We didn't just come back to participate. We came back to pass on our history to our younger generation.

The Founders

Honorary founders who built the legacy from the ground up.

Vas Hirani

Vas Hirani

Honorary Founder

In the 1990s, the Shadwell Dragons were a group of young men and teenagers, with adolescent angst and enthusiasm in equal measure. They gave me immense pride through their determination, sportsmanship, and commitment. Together, we shared countless adventures and created memories that have endured for decades.

After a 30-year hiatus from racing, during which life took us all on different journeys, it is both thrilling and inspiring to witness this team reunite in middle age. I celebrate their dedication to introducing a new generation of boys, men, girls, and women to the sport and spirit of Dragon Boat Racing.

As the founder of the Shadwell Dragons, and as the team's drummer, driver, and land-based coach in those early years, I recognise the importance of the values that have always underpinned the club: inclusion, health, camaraderie, resilience, and purpose. Seeing those values continue to flourish today is both humbling and heartwarming.

To have played a part in the beginnings of this journey, and to witness its continuing legacy three decades later, is a privilege. I am proud of what the Shadwell Dragons were, proud of what they have become, and excited for what future generations will achieve.

Mike Thomas

Mike Thomas

Honorary Founder

Our former manager whose vision took us to the top, now serving as the President of the BDA.

"Their journey from the Basin to racing against the best teams in British dragon boating set the standard. To see them return almost 25 years later fills me with honour."
Tofujol Bhai

Tofujol Bhai

Honorary Founder

Tofujol Bhai has been at the heart of Shadwell Dragons since the very beginning. His wisdom, encouragement and quiet leadership kept the team united throughout its journey, and his belief in the club and its people has shaped the spirit of the Dragons family. In recognition of his lasting dedication, we proudly honour him as an Honouree Founder, alongside Mike and Vas.

The Story Continues

The Story Continues

Today, Shadwell Dragons carries the spirit of the Solander crew into a new era.

We paddle for community, heritage and the next generation.

Join the Crew