Breast cancer survivors in Cape Breton find strength by paddling together.
According to Nova Scotia Health, the Cape Breastoners Dragon Boat Team Society promotes the physical, mental and social benefits from the racing sport.
This group says all three community health boards from the area have backed the program nearly $1,500.
These grants helped the Society purchase two boats, life jackets, paddles and team uniforms for the team of 55 members.
The society secretary, Beverly Spencer says, the support has been incredibly helpful for every aspect of what they’re doing in fitness, safety and public awareness.
She adds that dragon boating is a great way to empower women who faced something as difficult as breast cancer, and it offers a way to help them feel both healthy and fit again.
Women on team exercise teamwork by pulling together to move the boat forward.
The Society says their summer highlight is the annual dragon boat festival held in Pictou County.
When they’re not competing, they meet for training twice weekly in the warmer months and hold fitness activities including yoga and water safety training during the winter.
Breast cancer survivors interested in trying dragon boating can email prescapebreastoners@outlook.com.
