Kids & Cops:

Building Trust, Changing Lives.

The Dueling Dragons of Orlando program is an unlikely partnership between inner-city teens and law enforcement officers from the Orlando Police Department, Orange County Sheriff's Office and the Orlando Fire Department who have joined forces to become a one-of-a-kind, mentoring, year-round dragon boat racing team.

Dueling Dragons' mission is to use the sport of dragon boating to form long-term mentoring relationships between Orlando's law enforcement officers and inner-city youth. Success in dragon boating comes only when everyone in the boat works together in complete harmony. In the process, stereotypes come down, profiles melt away, friendships are formed, and lives change for the better.

Teen paddlers are selected through their participation in Orlando Parks and Rec community centers, including Rosemont, Englewood, Jackson, Mercy Drive and Parramore Kidz Zone.

“Dueling Dragons opened my eyes about the police.”

--Cody, Mercy Drive Rec Center

“I went from not knowing what their purpose is to sitting down with cops and knowing they are real.”

—Cady, Rosemont Rec Center

“Our Dueling Dragons program serves as a role model, attracting national attention for its unique and highly effective approach to building stronger bonds between our police officers and inner-city youth.”

— Buddy Dyer, Mayor of Orlando

“The program made me realize these inner-city kids just need an opportunity to interact with positive role models to succeed.”

—Todd, OPD

Dueling Dragons News and Updates

Dueling Dragons is proudly supported by a City of Orlando Mayor's Matching Grant, by the Orlando Community & Youth Trust, Inc., and of course – by generous contributions from community supporters and partners:

We’d also like to thank Trish and Rick Walsh, Patricia Engfer, Dr. Ann McGee and Joyce Green for their generous support.

Your individual contributions make a huge difference to the future of this program.

Nothing is possible without your support. We rely on donors like you to pay for trips to races (aka dragon boat festivals), uniforms, food, lodging, and much more. Truly, every dollar donated empowers our kids and cops, and enriches our community:

To learn more about donation opportunities or to speak with our Founder, contact us at mmiandrea@me.com.

“Now I trust cops a lot.”

--Ariana, Englewood Rec Center

“Dueling Dragons showed me all cops are not the same … cops are regular people.”

—Jaira, Englewood Rec Center

To-Date:

"Being involved with the kids in the Dueling Dragons Program has helped me in my daily work life by teaching me ways to form bonds with the kids in my school as it applies to my role as a School Resource Officer.”  

—John, OCSO

“Dueling Dragons helps remind me that not all kids misbehave and get in trouble. It also helps me understand how to better connect with youth.”

—-Jasmine, OPD

“Dueling Dragons has taught me to slow down and take more time explaining things. It has also helped me realize that not everyone understands or sees things the way I do. I feel I now have a better understanding of the hesitancy we see from some inner-city communities. I have stayed with this program for nine years because I enjoy the time I get with the kids and know I have impacted some of them. As long as I feel I can make a difference, I will continue.”

— Orlando Police Officer

In Loving Memory

Lt. Debra Clayton;

Orlando Police Department,

Dueling Dragons Mentor

End of Watch: January 9, 2017

Lt. Debra Clayton of the Orlando Police Department was a former participant in the Dueling Dragons program. She was shot and killed in the line of duty on January 9, 2017. She was devoted to bridging the gap between kids and cops, dedicating herself to that cause on and off duty.

Her spirit lives on with the Dueling Dragons program and we continue to honor her memory.