Dragon Warriors on the Suir last week
SURVIVORS of breast cancer in Waterford paid more than lip service to their motto – ‘I will survive and smile’ as they took to the River Suir on Saturday evening last to showcase one of the world’s fastest growing water sports and demonstrate the benefits of boat paddling post breast surgery.
Waterford Dragon Warriors is made up entirely of women – and men – recovering from breast cancer and following months of training and with massive support from individuals and local businesses they now have their own 40ft boat – officially named ‘Eileen’ which was blessed in a moving religious and traditional Chinese ceremony at the riverside to coincide with their first family fun day.
The dragon has been awakened with red eyes, tongue and horns and now able to rely on luck, health and safety having lit three incense sticks the crew are beacons of support and encouragement to the regrettably growing numbers facing cancer diagnosis.
Since the beginning of the year Waterford Dragon Warriors have been training for competition in Clonmel with the support of Mr. Constantino Fiuza-Castineira, Consultant Breast Surgeon at University Hospital Waterford. In April they took possession of their own boat thanks to funding from Glanbia, Dowling Pharmacy, the Irish League of Credit Unions, Solas Centre and Waterford River Rescue and life vests from the Irish Water Safety Association.
Waterford Boat Club is also on board to help the newly formed group with facilities to launch their boat for training, racing and other events.
A dragon boat has a crew of 20 with a helms person to steer and a drummer who sets the pace. Paddling is competitive, it’s a great form of upper body exercise and above all it is great fun – and that’s according to the scores who took to the water on Saturday evening to test their paddling techniques in the pristine boat.
Dragon boat racing is open to people of all ages. To become involved check out www.waterforddragonwarriors.com or contact Mairead on 087 9548661, Angela Kelly at angelakelly2010@hotmail.com or Marcella Sweeney on 086 8055462 or at sweeneymarcella63@eircom.net
