In 1996, a Canadian sports medicine physician broke with tradition and proposed that the upper-body exercise provided by paddling a dragon boat could improve range of movement, develop chest wall strength and help combat lymphoedema.

This painful condition is often a consequence of lumpectomies, mastectomies, lymph node dissection and radiation therapy.

Dr McKenzie’s research proved to be just the tip of the iceberg.

Within 30 years, there were hundreds of Breast Cancer Survivor (BCS) teams around the world, each demonstrating that dragon boating provides far more than physical benefits.

Each member has faced a frightening, life-changing diagnosis and coped, gaining fitness while also finding understanding, support and the strength to take control of their lives.

Side by side in a dragon boat, anxiety lifts and floats away; nothing matters except moving forward, together.

The International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission (IBCPC) organises events, including boot camps and festivals, and sets standards for BCS teams competing in regular dragon boat regattas.

Twenty years ago, in March 2006, the first and only African BCS team was founded in Cape Town, South Africa.

In August, amaBele Belles will once again participate in the 2026 IBCPC Festival, which is held every four years.

They will join 4,500 registered participants representing 25 countries.

Each festival is a celebration of everyone diagnosed with breast cancer, whether they are long-term survivors or are living as well as possible while undergoing treatment.

A contingent of 15 amaBele Belles members and supporters will gather in the town of Aix-les-Bains, France, from 24 to 30 August.

Ten are breast cancer survivors and therefore qualify to compete in the 200m and 500m races on Lac du Bourget, France’s largest natural glacial lake in the heart of the French Alps.

The paddlers are deeply grateful to their accompanying supporters and to their coach, who is not a breast cancer survivor but is an experienced dragon boat paddler, helm and coach.

Part of the festival is a flower ceremony honouring all those who did not survive.

It is always a deeply moving reminder to be grateful for every year granted to us.

Why do women diagnosed with breast cancer paddle dragon boats?

Because we CAN!

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