Chinese dragon boating began over 2000 years ago, but this ancient sport didn’t find its way to Northeast Ohio until May, 2007.  That is when an enthusiastic group of survivors picked up their paddles and launched Ohio’s first all breast cancer survivor dragon boat team on Rex Lake.

Dragon boating for cancer survivors started in Canada about 15 years ago.  The Dragon Dream Team is now just one of more than 150 all breast cancer survivor dragon boat teams around the world.  Our mission is to promote physical and emotional wellness and demonstrate that life after breast cancer can be upbeat, active, and most of all, fun.

Similar to sculling or canoeing, dragon boating consists of 20 paddlers sitting two abreast in a 40-foot boat with its colorful dragon head and tail.  A drummer sitting on the bow and a steersperson in the rear, complete the crew.

The Dragon Dream Team is comprised of survivors from all walks of life and ranging in age from 35-80.  The only requirement to join the team is to be a breast cancer survivor.   No particular level of fitness or previous paddling experience is necessary.

From the newly diagnosed to 20 year survivors, team members  meet up to three times a week to paddle and share camaraderie and a mission to support each other.   Dragon Dream Team members have the opportunity to participate in local, national and international dragon boat festivals and competitions.