During the festival, Burlington Boatyard was also able to speak with Dragonheart Vermont – a breast cancer survivor dragon boat team. 

The members of Dragonheart Vermont strive to promote breast cancer awareness in our community, to provide hope to other cancer survivors and their families to live each moment fully, and to support our own team members in a spirit of camaraderie and joy. When breast cancer survivors participate in dragon boating, they provide a face to the disease and the statistics. Breast cancer is what brought our team members together. Friendship is what keeps us together. Racing dragon boats is not our point. Our race is against breast cancer. In China, the dragon traditionally symbolizes a good omen. It is the heartfelt hope of Dragonheart Vermont that the dragon will protect us until the race against breast cancer brings an end to this disease at last.

Dragonheart Vermont has taken on the sport of dragon boating for our health and well being. After a diagnosis of breast cancer, survivors learn how to embrace life again. Dragon boating helps you feel alive. Just imagine how energizing it feels to be out on a boat on Lake Champlain with the mountains and setting sun as your backdrop. Now imagine sharing this experience with 20 other people who are with you in the boat. The fun of the sport is that it does not require great athletic ability. In dragon boating, no one team member shines. It is a true team sport. Timing is the key. The paddlers must work in perfect unison. Twenty paddles hitting the water at the same moment and propelling the boat forward is a thing of beauty. This synchronicity is health-giving and life-affirming.

If you are interested in joining the team – you may contact Linda Dyer at 802-434-4423, or email dragonheartvermont@gmavt.net

For more information:
Head to www.dragonheartvermont.org

Tags: breast cancer, dragonheart vermont, lake champlain, maritime festival, Vermont Boating

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