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The Bravehearts Dragon Boat Team, formed under the non-profit North Island Dragon Boat Society, offers a lifeline to men and women who have battled or are battling any form of cancer. Now in its third year, the team is actively recruiting new members to join them.

Why a Dragon Boat team? Don't you have to be highly athletic, strong and fit to paddle a Dragon Boat? These are two questions that are often asked, and the answer is, "our members are men and women of all ages and walks of life who have one common bond ... they have all had Cancer of some type. Some have a history of many years of experience in paddling a dragon boat, while some are new to the sport. We believe that a diagnosis of cancer, in ANY form, can result in a difficult life journey for the men and women it affects. Through the sport of Dragon Boat racing we believe our team provides its members with a supportive and friendly environment that fosters team spirit, living long and healthy lives, and a renewed spirit for living".

Today, dragon boat racing is among the fastest growing of team water sports, with tens of thousands of participants in various organizations and clubs in over 60 countries - many of which are breast cancer survivor teams. Team BraveHearts is the first co-ed, all cancers team in Canada. The sport is recognized for the comaraderie, strength and endurance fostered amongst participants and is recognized by cancer survivors as a way to renewed health and zest for life.

The history of Dragon Boating can be traced back to 278 BC and the legend of Qu Yuan, in which hundrets of fishing boats attempted to rescue. Qu Yuan, a revered Chinese poet, from the waters of the River Miluo. More than 2300 years, later, cancer survivors can be picked up by dragon boats and offered a way to a healtheir life.

BraveHearts encourages survivors to take their challenge and join the team. New members are warmly welcomed, assigned a "buddy" and receive ongoing coaching and training. During the regular season, practises are held twice a week, practising the basics, working on drills, and preparing for dragon boat festivals in many locations on the West Coast.

The team is looking forward to the August 24 Discovery Passage to Quadra Island. Now is the time for survivors to get picked up by the team and become a part of this exhiliarating re-enactment of earlier days!

For more information call: Margaret Mullen (250) 850-1091