From our friends at the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission:

OLYMPIC TORCH – VERY SPECIAL ESCORTS!
The Winter Olympics are almost upon us and the eyes of the world are on Vancouver, Canada.

ABREAST IN A BOAT, the very first breast cancer survivor dragon boat team in the world will be participating in escorting THE OLYMPIC TORCH to its final destination before the 2010 Games begin.

On February 12, 2010, after crossing Canada for 106 days, the last two torch relays will be completed by dragon boats.  At approximately 1:00 pm (Pacific Time) 20 members of Abreast In A Boat, a steer and a drummer will have the honour of being a part of the six boat flotilla that will shadow the two torch relay boats escorting the Olympic Torch to Yale Town.

Dr Don McKenzie, founder of Abreast In A Boat, will have a seat in one of the two relay boats carrying the torch.  What an incredible opportunity for everyone involved, and in particular, for breast cancer survivors around the world.

On behalf of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission I am delighted to share this news. It is very fitting that our ‘Dr Don’ – an amazingly generous and humble man – who has given us the gift of the dragon boat, coupled with the brave originals from Abreast In A Boat, should be so honoured. This is such an affirmation of Dr Don McKenzie’s work re -exercise and chronic disease.

Without the work of Dr Don McKenzie and those brave originals in Vancouver – none of us would be enjoying the fitness, fun and camaraderie that comes post diagnosis of this insidious disease.

Visit this link for further Torch Relay details http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-torch-relay

Michelle Hanton OAM
Executive President – International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission
Founder – Dragons Abreast Australia

Dragon Divas Laurie, Carol R. and Mary S. presented to the Twin Cities Lymphedema Support Group in St. Louis Park on November 30, 2009. They told the Dragon Divas’ history through photos of the team and our dragon boats. Each offered personal reflections on what being on the team has meant to them. We were represented well. Thank you for giving your time to this worthy event and for spreading the Diva spirit.

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Dragon Diva Edie Funnell, who lost her battle with the cancer dragon this fall. She died on Tuesday, September 22, 2009. We praise her loudly!

We stay busy, sharing our message of strength through exercise and team spirit in other sports too. Diva Ginny Heinrich was spotted in her Dragon Diva shirt at the Twin Cities 5K on Saturday, October 3.

Even though the paddling season is over for the Divas, they are staying active in the community. Diva Happy Peris is participating in a breast cancer awareness event on Monday and Tuesday, October 5th and 6th from 11-2 at Nordstrom where she also works. She will be sharing her experience with the Dragon Divas, raising awareness about the role of exercise and breast cancer. Go check it out!

We’re so proud of Dragon Diva member Carol Rohrer who was recently recognized by local radio station WCCO (830 on the AM dial…) as their Good Neighbor of the Day for September 21.

Our lovely boat has returned to it’s home in Iowa, and our team is finished with our on-water, in-boat practices for the season. But, what a season it was! Thank you to our families and supporters… Thanks to everyone who wrote us a check, bought bread, and otherwise showed they believed in us and our mission, to show others that there is room for an active life after a diagnosis of breast cancer. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to spread the word.

The Dragon Divas wrapped up their August circuit tour in Superior, Wisconsin. This was the third of three states that hosted venues in which the team competed (others MN, IA). The women spread their message of survivors leading healthy, active lifestyles after treatment for breast cancer. 

The Divas competed in two races in Superior and posted highly consistent times of 2:37.18 for a 450 meter race. It was quite a thrill to see the ♥Dragon Divas ♥ name in lights on the top of the scoreboard for winning the women’s cancer division! The “power-finish” proved to be their secret weapon as they broke open their second race lead by over three seconds. They wrap up their 2009 season this Wednesday evening by hosting a Friends and Family event at their practice site.

The Divas entered the Bronze Division Finals as real competitors. There was just a 3 second spread between their time and that of the Champion. They beat five other co-ed teams by times. See the link for all the details including times, seeds, and overall results.

starbuck-results

The Dragon Divas claimed the silver medal at the Fort Dodge Badger Lake Bash this year. Coming in as defending champs, we were beat by a very strong team from Indianapolis, the SurviveOars. Again, though, it was a great event, and despite some decent rain, it didn’t rain on our parade; we still had a great time.

The Fort Dodge Messenger staff took many pictures of the event; check ‘em out!