Submitted by Anna Fumarola and Alicia Ares de Blas.
On Saturday July 6th, the first Breast Cancer Paddlers National Dragon Boat Race 'City of Valladolid ' took place in Spain, in the beautiful city of Valladolid. 14 Spanish teams plus an Irish one participated in this amazing initiative with 150 women paddlers who have suffered or are suffering from breast cancer.
The host was the Valladolid team Wallkiria Pisuerga, who generously organised an impeccable event of racing, solidarity and fun where a feeling of sonority prevailed over rivalry.
On Friday afternoon, the participants tested the boats and the state of the waters of the Pisuerga river. Afterwards, there was dancing, music, dinner and good vibes as it is common in this inclusive sport.
As night fell, the ceremony “Homage to Life” took place with paper lanterns forming a heart in the sand, surrounded by participants remembering those who are not with us any longer. Meanwhile, emotional words based on the concept of 'ohana' (family, in Hawaiian) were played.
On Saturday morning, the day of the competition, two qualifying rounds and three finals were held. The team Madridragons, BCS members of the Alberche Kayak Club, came in an honorable fifth place.
Among its members, there were several paddlers who had only been in the team for a few months and who made on this occasion their debut in the world of regattas. Moreover, many paddlers mixed with other teams forming composite teams with new names, showing the value of inclusivity and sorority in Dragon Boat.
In fact, this regatta could be considered more awareness-raising than competitive. It was meant as a call for more attention to a category which should not be relegated to mere exhibition. The benefits of the practice of this sport for the BCS collective have been amply demonstrated, and hence, the points gained in competitions should continue to be considered for the club, as it has been the case until last season.
