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Abreast In A Boat -Ten Year Celebration
The World's Grandest Breast Cancer Dragon Boat Festival
June 25 to 26, 2005
 It was a festival like no other and we were there! Breast cancer teams from around the world: Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, The United States, and across Canada.
Ten Years Abreast Celebration marked the 10th paddling season of Abreast In A Boat, the world's first breast cancer dragon boat team founded in Vancouver. What started in Vancouver as a research project, is now an international movement with more than 111 teams.
Thirty five Waves of Hope members joined 64 other breast cancer teams to celebrate what people living with breast cancer can achieve and to celebrate the journey we all have made.The festivities took place on False Creek near Science World, in Vancouver, British Columbia.
About the Races All boats were either the 6/16 or D2(similar to 6/16) boats. They have seats for 24 paddlers although for these races there were 20 paddlers plus a steers person and a drummer. Length of the coarse: 500 meters
About "The Flower Ceremony" This was our opportunity to honour those unable to paddle or no longer with us.
In Vancouver, there were 7 boats paticipating in this international flower Ceremony. A truly global experience with representatives of all countries in each crew. Norma-Jean Coates and Marg Rycroft represented the Waves of Hope. The remaining team members took part in the ceremony from the viewing area on shore. There were flowers for the viewing public to participate if they wish. Some 5000 participated, according to a Vancouver news paper. "Wow" what an emotional event!
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Vancouver Festival-2005 |