A central Alberta dragon boat team of breast cancer survivors made a splash in its debut at the Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival.
Breasties in the Buff fielded 19 members at Telford Lake in Leduc on Aug. 15 and 16.
Joined by two guest paddlers from Winnipeg’s Chemo Savvy and four from Edmonton’s Breast Friends to fill their 22-person boat, the team joined 10 women’s and 15 mixed squads on the water.
Over the two-day event, the crew completed five 500-metre races logging more than five kilometres of total paddling time.
The weekend’s showcase event was the Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon Race, featuring four teams of breast cancer survivors.
Breasties in the Buff posted a time of 2:54.82, placing fourth in a tight photo finish just 1.6 seconds behind the winning crew.
Following the race, more than 90 breast cancer survivors participated in a pink flower ceremony on the water to commemorate those lost to the disease, and support those currently in treatment.
Breasties in the Buff capped off the festival by earning a silver medal in one of the competition’s consolation finals.
The team will officially mark the end of its season on Saturday, Sept. 12, with its second annual Beach Party at the Rochon Sands marina.
Open to the public from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., the event will feature a barbecue lunch, live music, silent auction and opportunities to try paddling on the lake.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
