Origins
The team origins of BreastStrokes began in 1998, born from a vision of hope and a refusal to be defined by illness. At the time, the prevailing medical advice for breast cancer survivors was to avoid repetitive upper body exercise to prevent lymphedema.
Inspired by the work of Dr. Don McKenzie in Vancouver, a small group of women in Guelph decided to challenge that myth. They started in a church basement, sitting on folding chairs and practicing their strokes with broomsticks.
From those humble beginnings, BreastStrokes has grown into a competitive force and a pillar of the community, shaping local dragon boat history by proving that there is vibrant, active life after a diagnosis.
Our History
Proposal to start a breast cancer survivors team in Guelph. First practices held in a church basement using broomsticks on folding chairs. In 1999 we entered 3 regattas.
University of Guelph and Pat Richards take on the team sponsorship, formalizing our training structure. We entered into two regattas this year.
First Executive elected Fall 2001. Dragon Line Newsletter began in November. Our team attended 4 Regattas over the next two years.
Our Constitution and Bylaws are drawn up and we purchased our boat in June for $10,000. Our team attended 5 Regattas this season
Dr. Don McKenzie visits our team and paddles with us in June. The last few years we have participated in 4 regattas. Half the team attended a regatta in Australia.
Relocate our practice site from Guelph Lake to Puslinch Lake. Pat Richards retires as coach. Alkame Dragon Boat Coaching Services provides coaching - Ethan Dixon. We consistently attend 3 regattas a year.
The McKenzie Revolution
Community Presence
“We don’t just race for ourselves; we race for the women who aren’t in the boat yet. We share our survivor stories to show them what’s possible.”
Proud
We are proud to be a member of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers' Commission (IBCPC). Encouraging those living with Breast Cancer to live full and active lives.
Raise Awareness
About breast cancer and the fact that there are many people living full and active lives following breast cancer
Support
Every one of us has had their own personal breast cancer journey, but each of our roads have led us here, to BreastStrokes. Now, we share in each other’s way forward, through recovery, regular exercise, and of course, races. We do love our hardware!