Cape Town– A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and life changing. That is why the amaBele Belles, Africa’s only breast cancer survivor dragon boat team, was founded 20 years ago.

AmaBele Belles aims to create a space for support, friendship, exercise and healing, helping survivors improve their quality of life.

Breast Cancer Survivor (BCS) dragon boating is a global movement initiated by the research of Canadian Sports Medicine specialist Don McKenzie

Survivors of breast cancer join to paddle dragon boats for the benefit of their physical health and social well-being.

​​A dragon boat seats 20 people and is steered by a ‘helm’.

Maureen Robinson, chair of the amaBele Belles, said amaBele means “breast” in Xhosa.

She added that the group celebrated its 20th anniversary on Saturday 11 April.

She said the team is proud to represent an activity that is one of the oldest sports in the world.

Healing on the water

“Paddling at the Waterfront is like a dream. You feel the joy of life when you are on the water. I joined 10 years ago. And I enjoy the sport. That is what keeps me going.”

She said the group meets twice a week from 18:00 to 19:00 on Tuesdays and 8:00 to 9:30 on Saturdays behind the Cape Grace Hotel in the V&A Waterfront.

“We paddle most of the time and we get training. And to realise that there is a big community out there of women who survived is amazing.”

According to Robinson, the team will host a recruitment drive for breast cancer survivors who wish to join at V&A Waterfront on Saturday 23 May at 10:00.

Robinson said the group is open to both men and women.

“We are hoping to get more people involved and to train more people as helm who can steer the boat. We encourage anyone who wants to build up their strength and stamina and enjoy the open sea.”

She said participation in the sport has opened many avenues for its participants and members of the Belles have travelled to Singapore, China, Czech Republic, Canada, Malaysia, Spain, New Zealand and Italy.

According to Robinson 10 members of the team will be heading to Aix-les-Bains in France in August, to participate in the International Breast Cancer Participatory Festival.

The event, which takes place every three years, will be attended by over 4 500 paddlers, most of which are breast cancer survivors.

Robinson said they are looking forward to participating.

“We would like to do well in the races, but we just want to enjoy being part of the atmosphere and meeting people from all over the world.”

Support beyond survival

Gafsa Davids, said she joined the team in 2022 following her cancer treatment the previous year.

“I always wanted to paddle. Being part of the team and of people who understand what you are going through is great. It is like being part of an informal support group. Each one in the group have sympathy for each other and we encourage each other.”

Davids said she has now also learned to steer the boat.

“I never thought I would be able to steer the boat by the helm, this is a huge milestone for me. I love being surrounded by water seeing the mountain, seals and other boats. It is nature’s best place to be.”

Robinson explained that the team is always in need of funds.

“We do try and get sponsors but most of the time we have to self-fund. If there is anyone who would like to support either with branding our kits, or financial contributions would be appreciated.”

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