Welland ON-Welland Dragon Boat Festival (WDBF) 2018 – Welland International Flatwater Centre (WIFC).
The Welland Dragon Boat Festival is therapeutic for women dealing with breast cancer, or giving support to anyone dealing with the disease.
Some participants at the 17th annual Welland Dragon Boat Festival (WDBF) shared their thoughts with Mosaic Edition shortly after the women’s race, dedicated to the survivors of the disease, and to those who have died.
The survivors, members of their team, and friends joined in waving carnations during the special ceremony.
Diane Hinshelwood, Blades of Fury, Oakville, said in an interview, “The carnations are for those who have passed, and those who are suffering now.”
The carnations were dropped on the water of the canal after the ceremony.
Twenty-six teams in 7 divisions took part in the race. The teams included Wonder Woman’s Warriors, Brainwaves, Blades of Fury, Dragon Our Oars, BCM Insurance, and Oskam Steel.
Others were SNCC Canal Dragons, Georgina Flyers, Dragon’s Den, Paddlers Anonymous DaCatch, UTSC Crimson Tide and Brock Badgers Dragon Boat.
Winners received medals and award paddles.
The festival helps develop athletes, foster relationships, and connect communities.
As a not-for-profit organization, the Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre uses funds generated during the boat festival to support its programs which include provision of shelters for newcomers.
Photo Gallery – Welland Dragon Boat Festival (WDBF) 2018 – Welland International Flatwater Centre (WIFC).
