Vancouver
Submitted by Brenda Hochachka.
Welcome to Vancouver and to the waters of False Creek where we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Abreast In A Boat. The story of the flower ceremony began in 1996 at our inaugural race.
Before leaving for that 1st race, I noticed that a 20- year- old climbing rose bush in my garden was covered with small fuchsia flowers, enough for each paddler on our boat. As we pulled toward the dock after our race, there was a pause in our paddling and our flowers were tossed into the waters of False Creek in remembrance of those women we knew who had not survived breast cancer or who were too sick to paddle. We felt grateful to have had such an exciting weekend and thought this would be the last time we would paddle together. Breast cancer dragon boat paddling was a study by Dr. Don McKenzie of Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Centre, and was not meant to continue after this year.
However, the following year, 1997, there were three boats, not just one. My rose bush did not have enough blooms for 66 paddlers so we substituted the roses for carnations. This was the first time the Flower ceremony was conducted in an organized and synchronized manner. The participating boats linked together in a raft and the paddlers tossed their flowers into False Creek. What started as one boat tossing roses into the waters has grown into a tradition and has spread worldwide.
The original rose bush continues to thrive and serves as a reminder of that first regatta 30 years ago and of the emotional and spontaneous catharsis of remembrance and gratitude for health and fitness.
We are thankful today to share this poignant tradition with 6 Abreast In A Boat crews and another 28 breast cancer teams from around the world.
Thank you for joining us.
Our dragon boats are rafted in togetherness, filled with women who have been told they have breast cancer. Each of these women has her own courageous story to tell – from diagnosis to dragon boating – stories filled with strength and hope.
Through dragon boating, we hear ourselves using words like support, encouragement, laughter, friendship, fitness and love. The flower ceremony is a tradition that gives us a moment to remember and honour all women and men who have died from breast cancer and those who are living with the disease.
Please join us in a moment of silence to honour all those who have lost their battle or are struggling to stay well. Their stories will never be forgotten.
