Paddles Up! Take It Away!
Spirit Abreast Boat Launch

An air of excitement hovered over Cultus Lake, on the afternoon of April 4, 2004. 
We were "tickled pink" as we anxiously awaited the arrival of our vessel. 
It would be the fulfillment of many dreams, particularly those of our founder and coach, Debbie Garcia. 

Our friend and mentor, Sandy Smith from Abreast in a Boat, Vancouver, was our M.C. for the day.  Sandy has been instrumental in "showing us the ropes" about dragon boating, and for that we are forever grateful to her. 

As the boat was brought down to the balloon arch, a special friend and breast cancer survivor, Vi Hill, was asked to cut the ribbon.  After a toast to the team, we maneuvered the boat down to the water as we sang our team song, "Side By Side."