The International Dragon Boat Festival Was Simply Amazing
Monday, June 14, 2010 at 11:32AM 
This weekend, I had the honour and privilege to be a part of the Gala celebrations held at the Evinrude Centre for all the participants of the International Dragon Boat Festival being held in Peterborough. I was a volunteer at the event, and never have I been so moved by the courage and strength that stood in one room.
These ladies, and men too, were absolutely remarkable as they made memories with their "sisters". This was the 3rd International Dragon Boat Festival, but the first time a Gala event such as the one I was at has taken place.
This evening was truly special to these paddlers, and I was filled with emotion as breast cancer survivors approached me to hug me and thank me for my contribution to making the evening a reality—and also to tell me how hospitable and welcoming Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, has been to them, and how wonderful our city is. I very much agree.
I hope you all, at some point over the weekend, had a chance to take in the energy that surrounded Little Lake over those three days.
—Julie Morris, PtboCanada contributor
[All photos by PtboCanada Creative Director Evan Holt]
[Survivors Abreast; International Dragon Boat Festival]
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Reader Comments (1)
Thanks Julie for setting this up. As our British visitors would say, brilliant!!
I know I can say with confidence on behalf of my sisters on the festival steering committee that we are sure Peterborough will never be the same again because of their connections, even if brief, with 2000 fabulous women and men who shared their joy and messages of hope. This was truly a gift to Peterborough. Likewise, Peterborough went over the top to be exactly what we already know it is, a warm, caring community, that knows how to welcome and host like no other community.
Carol Mutton
Tired but happy!