Local breast cancer survivors competing in international dragon boat race
Posted Aug 17, 2026 03:52:16 PM.
Last Updated Aug 17, 2026 03:54:48 PM.
Breast cancer survivors with a Waterloo-based dragon boat team are headed to an international competition next week and they’re looking for support.
The Dragonflyers will help represent Canada at the International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission (IBCPC) Participatory Dragon Boat Festival in the French Alps from Aug. 24 to 30.
The team is made up of women from Waterloo Region, Guelph, and surrounding areas who have been impacted by breast cancer.
While the dragon boat festival includes on-water activities like races, it’s described as a non-competitive event for breast cancer paddlers to come together and celebrate.
Around 4,500 survivors from 25 countries will be participating, including The Dragonflyers.
“This opportunity to participate in an international dragon boat competition is in stark contrast to what team members from Cambridge, Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding areas were experiencing with their cancer diagnoses,” said Dragonflyer member Natalie Laing in a release.
“It’s just unimaginable that at a point where I didn’t even know if I was going to survive, now I’m going to be, and all the women along with me, are going to be international athletes.”
Tanya Olsen is another local team member who has been cancer-free for 12 years after undergoing a double mastectomy.
“Every sunrise is truly a gift, and we want to show people that there can be a beautiful life after cancer,” Olsen said.
The IBCPC Dragon Boat Festival is held every three to four years and The Dragonflyers have been fundraising in preparation to cover various costs like registration and travel accommodations.
They still need support as they continue their journey to take part in the international celebration and are asking the community for help.
You can find their GoFundMe by clicking here.
