- April 25, 2024
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Members of Survivors in Sync have breast-cancer themed paddles.
Lakewood Ranch's Barb Green was all smiles before the team launched from the dock.
One drummer on The Vikings couldn't help but bring a little viking spirit to the race.
Lakewood Ranch's Dana Bauer is ready to help lead her team to victory.
Port Charlotte's Joe Campbell steers one of the Survivors in Sync teams.
A dragon dance was performed in between races.
The members truly were in sync as they paddle to victory.
Dana Bauer cheers her team on.
Marianne Ferrier keeps her new team the Dragon Flys in times.
The boat steerers also help keep the rowers in line.
Venice resident Joni Carone collects high-fives on her way off the boat after Survivors in Sync won a race.
Some races were neck and neck.
Members of Dragon Flys grab paddles before heading to their boats.
Venice resident Joni Carone collects a hug after Survivors in Sync won a race.
Survivors in Sync comfortably won this 500-meter race, but the remaining boats were neck and neck.
Lakewood Ranch's Carla Baldwin gives high fives as she returns from a race.
Survivors in Sync captain Angela Long steers her team's boat.
Betty Jo Craig and Heidi Smithers, right in the white visor and black cap, welcome back Survivors in Sync teammate JoAnn Moore.
Some teams in the sport mixed division were comprised of men and women.
Rowers held up pink flowers while "Fight Song" played during the breast cancer survivor ceremony.
Paddles dug through the water May 11 timed to drum beats echoing through Nathan Benderson Park. A smile broke out on 22 faces as the head of a dragon pushed its way through the finish line marked by bright orange buoys.
The members of Survivors in Sync, a dragon boat racing crew comprised mostly of breast cancer survivors, had just won their 500-meter heat in the annual Dragon Boat Festival. They pulled up to the dock and made their way through the crowd, giving high-fives and hugs along the way.
But that wasn’t the only race the team won Saturday. In fact, it won every race, earning the gold medal and a berth to the 2020 Club Crew Championship in France.
“The best part about racing is having something to aspire toward,” SIS team captain Angela Long said. “It’s the reason we really come together, and it really drives us.”
Three other local teams got their first taste of dragon boat racing thanks to a program hosted by Nathan Benderson Park and Great White North, a Canadian company which provided boats and helped run the festival.
The program gave beginners the opportunity to receive five dragon boat lesson before competing in the race.
Annely Armstrong-Thorstad coached all three of the NBP teams, which struggled, but built friendships.
“The camaraderie is amazing for sure,” she said. “When you dragon boat race, you instantly have a connection.”
