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Welcome to the International Breast Cancer Paddlers' Commission
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The IBCPC is an international organisation whose
mandate is to encourage the establishment of breast cancer
dragon boat teams, within the framework of participation and inclusiveness.
We support the development of recreational
dragon boat paddling as a contribution to a healthy life style for
those diagnosed with breast cancer.
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As the breast cancer dragon boat movement grows internationally, we have a unique opportunity to raise awareness about the disease and about life after breast cancer. We know
a full and and active life is possible. The IBCPC was created to spread this message.
Together we are stronger, our voices are louder and the message is clearer.
Being part of the IBCPC provides breast cancer survivors
with the opportunity to network with international teams.
This enables the teams to share information, receive regular
newsletters and updates, and also to share best practices with other teams and to interact with fellow paddlers around the world.
The next IBCPC International Festival is in Sarasota, Florida.
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Background to Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Paddling
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Breast cancer survivor dragon boat paddling began at the
University of British Columbia, in Vancouver, Canada in 1996.
Dr. Don McKenzie, a Professor in the Department of Sports
Medicine and exercise physiologist challenged the prevailing
medical thinking that women treated for breast cancer should
avoid rigorous upper body exercise for fear of developing
lymphoedema, a debilitating and chronic side effect of
treatment.
He developed a programme to determine the impact
of exercise on breast cancer survivors, choosing dragon boat
paddling as the epitome of strenuous, repetitive upper body
exercise. He trained twenty four breast cancer volunteers in a
gym for three months, introduced them to dragon boats and taught them paddling techniques. At the end of the three month
season on the water none of the volunteers had lymphoedema.
While Dr. McKenzie’s medical experiment/project was complete,
the women found they were fitter, healthier and happier. They
loved the camaraderie and support of their fellow paddlers and
had regained control of their lives. They realised that dragon
boat paddling could become a means to raise awareness of
breast cancer and of the ability of survivors to lead normal lives.
They named their team ‘Abreast In A Boat’ and invited other
survivors to share their exciting experience.
Over the years the movement progressed to other areas in
Canada and was introduced to other countries by breast cancer
survivors who saw the benefit for survivors. These inspirational individuals started communicating across the miles, providing
much support and encouragement to see other survivors
reap the benefit of dragon boating and the health and fitness
benefits it provided. Special mention should be made also to the
amazing awareness made to the public on breast cancer.
Since 1996, as more and more interest came about we saw
representatives from different countries joining together to
paddle together in different places including Canada, Australia, Italy, Penang, New Zealand, Singapore, Poland and the United
States. In 2005 a celebration of the start of Abreast In A Boat
occurred in Vancouver, Canada – an international event with over 2000 breast cancer survivors from around the world.
Following this festival Australia hosted ‘Abreast in Australia’ in 2007, and more recently Peterborough, Canada in 2010 (both of which had over 2000 participants). Each festival provided
breast cancer survivors with the opportunity to network, attend
workshops, paddle and celebrate life! The next international
festival will be will be held in Sarasota in 2014.
During this time it became apparent that we need to ensure
international festivals continue to promote participation and
inclusiveness – this is where the IBCPC comes in.
Click here to read a message from our President, Jane Frost.
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Latest News
Updated News
IBCPC 2014 Festival
Getting Ready, Sarasota 2014
- Steering
Latest IBCPC Newsletter
June, 2013
New Document
How to Start a Breast Cancer Dragon Boat Team
Membership application form.
Video. Invite to the Queen's Jubilee Pageant 2012
Internationally Abreast Jubilee Pageant crew.
Video. Internationally Abreast's Jubilee Pageant
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