Friday, January 29, 2010

Dragon Boats and the 2010 Olympics!

Many thanks to Coach Ellen for passing this news along! (Most of you know I paddle with Team SOS here in Northern NJ)

As you know the 2010 Winter Olympics begin in Vancouver on February 12th and after crossing Canada, the last two Olympic Torch relays will be completed in Vancouver in dragon boats!

At about 1:00pm (Pacific Standard Time), a flotilla of six dragon boats and two outriggers, will escort two lead boats carrying the Olympic torch on the waters of False Creek to its final destination prior to the Opening Ceremonies.

One of the dragon boats will be crewed by Abreast In A Boat - 20 paddlers, a steers and a drummer while Dr Don McKenzie will have a seat in one of the lead boats. It was on these very waters of False Creek in 1996 that the first breast cancer survivor dragon boat paddled for the very first time with Dr McKenzie at the helm. Four of those original paddlers will be in the crew on Feb 12th.

This is such an affirmation of Dr McKenzie's work re exercise and chronic disease and all he's done over the years for all of us. It's also an incredible opportunity and inspiration for everyone - those in the boat, on the shore and the millions who will be watching.

Do pass this on to other breast cancer crews who may be interested and remember to watch the games!!!

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