Paint It Pink Contest 2007

 

 Cultus Lake Regatta, August 11th, 2007

This year Spirit Abreast  enjoyed participating in the Cultus Lake Dragon Boat Regatta, along with fifteen (15) other dragon boat teams.  The event was very well organized, with a great Western theme. The Cultus Lake Regatta has become very special to our team as it is held on our 'home turf', giving an opportunity for family, friends and supporters to come out and watch us race.  It also provides us with the rare opportunity of  racing in our own hot pink" dragon boat.   It was very full day with three 500 metre races and for the first time the regatta also scheduled a 250 metre Breast Cancer Challenge Race at midday, for the three breast cancer survivor teams.  This particular race proved to have one of the closest finishes as we actually tied for first place! (which doesn't often happen in dragon boat racing).  The Pink Carnation Ceremony was very well received by all, and moving for
the entire team.    

It was great see some of our team mates, who are not currently able to paddle, come out to the event.  We know they were racing just as hard from the shore as we were in the boat.  Spirit Abreast certainly came together as "one" during this event and everyone felt the momentum and power in each race, it was thrilling!  After our final race of the day there were some sombre faces on the team as it was realized that it was the end of our racing season for this year.   However, typical of Spirit Abreast, the mood did not stay down for long as we took the time to celebrate our accomplishments and achievements during this season.  We also acknowledged the efforts and dedication of our coach.   Sherry, this season is dedicated to you, as you have encouraged us to believe in the possibilities of what is still to come.   Thank you from us all and paddles up for 2008.      

 Vernon Dragon Boat Festival - July 27 - 29th, 2007

For the first time ever, our team entered the Greater Vernon Dragon Boat Race & Festival, which was held at Kalamalka Lake Beach , Coldstream, Vernon.  Kalamalka, meaning 'Lake of Many Colors' , certainly describes this lake with its various hues of emeralds and blues. Throughout the weekend teams were exposed to world class racing distances of 200m, 500m and 1000m (with a turn).   This year we didn't opt for the 1000 m but our coach said maybe next year!  The wine and cheese evening hosted by the local breast cancer team the Buoyant Buddies made for a very nice start to our racing weekend.  The weather was spectacular from start to finish.  The lake provided us with one of our most exciting races this season when the wind came up early Sunday morning.  This created havoc for the other teams during our race, but because of great steering by Sherry and terrific team focus, Spirit Abreast kept on course and crossed the finish line in 1st place.  What a ride!  The Carnation Ceremony was organized slightly different and our team was asked to wade out into the lake to join six of the survivor teams who remained in the boats.  However given the temperatures were in the high 30s at this point in the day - there were no complaints and the ceremony was very touching.   

A special thank you to the "girls' who joined our team and raced with us.  All-in-all the event was well organized and our team won't forget the "spirited" Kalamalka Lake.  

Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival - July 6 -8th, 2007

For the second year our team joined more than 80 other teams from all over British Columbia and the US in the 5th Annual Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival.  This event has certainly become one that we just can't miss in the racing season as it is so well organized and the waterfront venue is just great.  With more than 20 breast cancer teams registered, we had many opportunities to meet some old friends and make NEw ones.   The survivor banquet hosted by Abreast of Life - Central Vancouver Island was excellent and the Mexican theme was a great choice as most of those in attendance dressed up in their most colourful costumes and enjoyed terrific  food and music.  As always the evening ended with the candle light ceremony, which is such a touching event.
 
The event was very well organized and the venue is second to none.  The festivals' focus on breast cancer awareness during the entire weekend is always very impressive.  One of the most poignant moments is the Carnation Ceremony, which takes place after the breast cancer survivors' race at noon on Sunday.  The support that comes from the other paddlers and those who stand on the shore watching is absolutely overwhelming.  Thanks to those who joined our team this weekend . It was great having you on board and we look forward to next years event! 

False Creek Women's Regatta - May 26, 2007

After getting our butterflies out of the way in the first race, we started the 2nd race with our game faces on!   We were ready to go and got off to a great start!  Julie our drummer gave us a great pep talk and noted she would call extra power series' sooner.  It seemed as soon as we out of the gate, we were already doing our turbo boost, then we were already way past half-way and then the finish line was so close, we didn't even have time to do a full finish!  Aack..it was so surprising that we sort of lost our timing, but we finished in first place...shaving 15 seconds off our first race time!  Wow!

Our last race was a little more difficult at the start, as we had to wait for a few boats to pass, and then re-align ourselves.  Even though we were a teeny bit crooked, the referee started the race anyway and that's all it took for the other team to get a jump on us.  We straightened out, and raced a good race.  We couldn't quite catch the other team, and the race seemed to take longer this time.  We did an awesomely long and strong finish and didn't allow boat #1 to catch us.  Yippee...2nd place!

Congratulations to ALL the team members for putting so much heart and soul into each and every race.  With our wonderful coach Sherry, we can only get better as the season progresses...side by side!!

 Events of Previous Years   
 

2008
Feb 19	First Meeting, Yarrow, 7 pm
March 14	Daffodil Sales Cancer Society
May 24	Women’s Regatta
May 30	Relay For Life - Chilliwack
June 7	Open house/paddle day
June 14	Prospera Centre Display
June 20	Relay For Life - Abbotsford
July 11-13	Nanaimo Festival
Aug 9	Cultus Lake Festival
Aug 23	Tap-Ins
Sept 7	Barbeque @ Nashes
Oct 3	Pub Night
Oct 5	CIBC Run for the Cure, Abbotsford
Oct. 18	Breast Cancer Women’s Brunch
Oct. 24, 25, 26	Women’s Fair, Tradex, Abbotsford

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

2007
Feb 13	First Meeting
May 26	Women’s Regatta
June 24	Tap-Ins Family & Friends Fun Event
July 6-8	Nanaimo Festival
July 20-22	Vernon Festival
Aug 11	Cultus Lake
Aug 13	Annual General Meeting
Sept 21	Leave for Australia
Sept. 30	CIBC Run for the Cure, Abbotsford
Oct. 19-21	Women’s Fair, Tradex, Abbotsford

 

 

 

 

 

2006
Feb 7	First Meeting of the Year
March 7	Annual General Meeting
May 27	Women’s Regatta
July 7-9	Nanaimo Festival
July 22	Harrison Regatta
August 12	Cultus Lake Regatta
Sept 9	Duke’s Pub Fundraiser
Sept 15-17	Kelowna Festival
Oct 1	CIBC Run for the Cure (raised over $5000)
Oct 21-23	Women’s Fair, Tradex, Abbotsford
Oct 22	Chilliwack Breast Cancer Awareness Breakfast