News/Memories

We owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Don McKenzie, a sports medicine specialist at the University of British Columbia, for the research program he created in 1996.

Twenty-four breast cancer survivors were taught dragon boat paddling techniques as a way to determine the impact of exercise on breast cancer survivors. The research proved that dragon boat paddling is an effective tool to achieve increased upper body strength and mental well being, as well as providing emotional support after having treatment. This was despite the medical thinking of the time that women treated for breast cancer should avoid strenuous upper body exercise.

These 24 women found dragon boating so beneficial that they formed the first breast cancer survivor dragon boat team, Abreast in a Boat, and took up the torch to raise awareness of breast cancer and the ability of survivors to lead active lives.

Survivor dragon boating has become a global movement and there are now thousands of breast cancer survivors paddling their way to rehabilitation and improved health.

In August 2023 we witnessed the excitement of the races at the Thunder City Speedway where we received a very generous donation in funds raised by local businesses, several individuals and race car drivers. We are so thrilled that we will be able to purchase much needed new lifejackets for our 25th season!

After a winter of dedicated workouts with the assistance of Push Fitness Centre and much fundraising, the Dragons of Hope paddled their hearts out on the weekend of July 6 – 8, 2018 in Florence, Italy where they raced in the IBCPC Participatory Dragon Boat Festival.

121 teams comprised of 4,000 participants of breast cancer survivors and supporters from 18 countries created a sea of pink as they attended the first such event to be held in continental Europe.

The excitement began with a parade of teams dressed in colourful costumes, dancing, singing and waving to the spectators. The next two days of racing on the Arno River saw us achieve  42nd place, in the top third overall – a pretty honourable result considering we had only six weeks to practice paddling before the event.

However, the Festival was not simply about race results. We will never forget the flower ceremony – 18 boats joined on the river while we stood along the riverbanks, swaying to the music as we tossed pink flowers into the water to commemorate those we have lost and those still walking their journey.

The Festival was an amazing opportunity for camaraderie, to share hugs and encouragement, and to perhaps inspire others who may be facing a diagnosis of breast cancer to never stop believing.

In October of 2014 five women from the Dragons of Hope joined a composite team of women from B.C. and around the world to paddle with Forza Rosa Canada in Sarasota, Florida at the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission (IBCPC) Participatory Dragon Boat Festival.

This was the 4th time the international festival took place and the first time it was held in the United States. For these five women, the festival was an opportunity to experience the ultimate sisterhood and survivorship with 2,200 women “in the same boat” in the beautiful setting of the Sunshine State. This amazing experience would become the inspiration for the whole team to attend the 2018 Festival held in Florence, Italy.

For many years the Dragons of Hope have raced in the Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival along with a few other Thunder Bay teams. The LSDBF are wonderful hosts – it has been a favourite festival for our team and we have even brought home some medals in the women’s division.