Welcome to Sistership Dragon Boat Association
Our Mission
Sistership Dragon Boat Association provides opportunities, through the sport of dragon boating, for people diagnosed with breast cancer to:
- foster wellness,
- partner with the community, and
- heighten the profile and importance of breast health.
Why We Paddle
We paddle to:
- motivate ourselves and each other through group involvement,
- experience a sense of control in our lives,
- enable ourselves to take pride in our accomplishments, and
- help ourselves to move forward by participating in a sport that encourages a healthy and active lifestyle.
Our Story
Sistership was started in 1998 by a group of women from Calgary. Each one had experienced breast cancer. They formed the first dragon boat racing team comprised of persons living with the disease in Alberta. Their commitment to learning to paddle a dragon boat became a symbol. They also inspired this group’s quest to rebuild the health and confidence eroded by a cancer diagnosis.
Belonging to this team meant uniting in a group effort toward a common goal. The team motivated and empowered these members while reducing the loneliness of the cancer experience.
Currently, Sistership consists of approximately seventy women from Calgary and the surrounding area. Members have year-round fitness expectations, plus twice-weekly training on the water from May to September with our dedicated coaching staff. Thanks to membership commitment, Sistership has enjoyed success in competition throughout Canada.
Working together in the spirit of camaraderie and understanding, these women continue to demonstrate their strength and determination. This message is important for our members, families, supporters, and those recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
Here’s to strong women – may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.