If you’ve always been curious about dragon boating, come and see the dragon awaken on Mother’s Day, May 13, at the Salmon Arm wharf from 2 to 4 p.m.
The Friends Abreast dragon boat team will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the team, which is welcoming new members at a sign-up which will take place at the anniversary celebration.
Friends Abreast is made up of about 30 women who are both survivors of breast cancer and supporters.
“In the boat we are all equal,” said Friends Abreast president Barb Puetz. “No one watching would know who is a survivor and who is a supporter. There isn’t a distinction.
“It’s about getting through this disease, getting the team in the boat and getting the boat in the water.”
Along with the paddlers, there is a steer person and a drummer. The team knows they are there for one another, explains Puetz, who helped start Friends Abreast.
“I totally love it. We’re a very supportive team. There is a strength that comes from coming together and being on the boat.”
While each woman’s life has been touched by breast cancer in some way, the team focuses on getting through the disease.
“We understand, but we don’t dwell on it.”
The team has, however, faced difficult times when team members have passed away or, for various reasons, can no longer actively paddle. Belonging to the group, said Puetz, means to be supportive and supported, whether life’s challenges include breast cancer, a sick family member, or another personal challenge.
“We always know we can get strength from each other. Someone is always there for you no matter what. It’s a big circle of support.”
Team members who can no longer paddle are honoured by becoming Friends of the Boat and are still considered part of the group.
Paddling with the team is always lots of fun, said Puetz, who has always loved water. She first saw dragon boating at a Kelowna Run for the Cure event and was inspired to explore creating a local team.
On Mother’s Day, the team’s anniversary celebration will include awakening the dragon after winter, talking about the roots of dragon boating in Chinese culture and explaining how dragon boating and breast cancer awareness are connected.
Those 16 and older can take a 10-minute ride in the boat around Salmon Arm Bay and try some paddling. There will be guest speakers, refreshments and a commemoration for paddlers who have passed away.
For those interested in joining Friends Abreast, new members are welcome. Team members do not have to have breast cancer or be a survivor, but can paddle as a supporter.
The team, however, is a group with a purpose, said Puetz.
“We’re not just about paddling. We do promote breast cancer awareness, encourage women to have mammograms, and do public awareness events. We also contribute to the breast cancer foundation.”
To learn more about Friends Abreast, go to www.friendsabreast.com or email friendsabreast@gmail.com.
