Special Events | 2009 Picnic and Paddle

    

With the cancellation of the 2009 Calgary Dragon Boat Festival, there was no longer an event that our families and friends could attend and experience with us our joy of paddling and the feeling of accomplishment attained by being involved in a challenging and rewarding sport.

To compensate for this, a “Picnic and Paddle” celebration was held in September and family, friends, and sponsors were invited to join us for an afternoon on the water. Crews consisted of Sistership members and guests and they experienced what it is like to paddle a dragon boat. Some realized that it is not as easy as it looks!

Later in the afternoon, our two crews paddled into the bay and took part in a traditional flower ceremony. Noel Johnson, songwriter, singer, and son of one of our members, performed a song that he had written for his mother. Another Sistership member, Gaydon Willis, wrote and delivered a moving and inspirational speech. Twenty-six doves, symbolizing members who have passed away, were released into the air and circled the crowd before flying off.