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IBSInformation

OurContacts

OurPractices

Practices are held in Victoria on the Gorge at Go Rowing & Paddling Centre #115 - 2940 Jutland Road.

  • Monday evening from 6:30-8:30
  • Wednesday evening from 6:30-8:30
  • Friday evening from 5:30-7:30

Any breast cancer survivor is welcome to come out and practice with us!

WhoWeAre

The Island Breaststrokers was formed in 1997. We were the second team in Canada to form. Dr. Don McKenzie, a sports medicine physician at the University of British Columbia, launched the first Boat in 1996 because he believed that by following a special exercise and training program, women could avoid lymphedema and enjoy active, full lives. He has since paved the way for over 150 teams worldwide. The Island Breaststrokers team is proud to participate in this sport year after year.

The flower ceremony has become an important tradition in breast cancer survivor Dragon Boat racing. Immediately following the breast cancer survivor races, survivor teams come together in a place on the water where the audience on shore can be part of the flower ceremony, and the boats are rafted together.

Usually a commentator, often a breast cancer survivor, will say a few words about breast cancer awareness, the importance of celebrating the lives of survivors, of offering hope to those still battling cancer, and of honoring those who tragically have lost the battle to the disease.

When the music begins, each paddler raises a pink flower above her head and holds the hand of a fellow paddler in the next boat. With flowers raised, the paddlers sway to the music, and the audience on shore, many of whom have relatives and friends affected by the disease, raise their flowers and sway with the paddlers. At a signal, the paddlers and those on the shore toss the pink flowers on the water, both to celebrate survival, and to remember those who did not survive.

The flower ceremony has become a very meaningful ritual for paddlers and audience alike.

Why do we do it?

  • We do it to prove that we can survive and move forward with our lives.
  • We do it for the friends we have found and the great support we share with each other.
  • We do it to keep our thoughts positive and our bodies able.
  • We do it for ourselves because as women we spend more time nurturing others and less time caring for our own needs.
  • We do it to encourage those living with breast cancer to live their dreams.

Though we are different ages and come from different walks of life we have that common thread that bonds us. The times we spend with each other and the memories we covet shall carry us through the rollercoaster of life.

OurTeam:

Clare

Heather

Cathy

Janet

Lynda

Carol B

Laurene

Sally

Marlene

Kory

Barb G - Coach

Dorcus

Carole H-W

Noreen

Valerie

Darleen

Wanda

Marilyn

Carol M

Barb N

Tina

Dorothy

Jeannette

Bonnie

Noella

Pat S

Pat T

Barb T

Joanna

Jeannie

Karrie - Coach

Marjorie

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