Breast cancer survivors join Dragon Boat paddling team

 

Are you a breast cancer survivor? Are you interested in joining a team for dragon boat paddling?

A dragon boat team consists of 22 people: 10 pairs of paddlers, plus a person who stands in the stern and steers, and one who stands/sits facing the paddlers in the bow and calls the stroke count with a drum.

Dragon boat paddling has been around for centuries, but Dragon Boat Paddling for Breast Cancer Survivors is an international movement that was inspired by the research of Canadian sports medicine specialist Dr. Don McKenzie at the University of British Columbia (UBC).

Survivors of breast cancer come together to paddle dragon boats for the benefit of their physical and social well-being. It is a movement that has taken off around the world with global dragon boat festivals and competitions.

In 2024, our group of breast cancer survivors will paddle under the umbrella of the Grey Bruce Dragon Boat Club (GBDBC) out of Owen Sound. Membership is open to all breast cancer survivors in Grey and Bruce (the day you are diagnosed is the day you become a survivor).

For our team, no previous experience with dragon boat paddling is needed, nor is any athletic talent, and no one will be turned away! It is all about FUN, FITNESS AND FRIENDSHIP! This summer we will paddle on the Sydenham River out of Owen Sound, Wednesday evenings starting on May 22nd.

Next summer, plans are to paddle out of the Saugeen River in Southampton. If you are interested and would like more information please contact Geordie Farrell at <farrell@bmts.com>

CANCER: THE WORST CLUB WITH THE BEST MEMBERS!