Ceremony for dragon boat team made up of breast cancer survivors
A 'Dotting the eye' ceremony has taken place at the launch of a new Dragon Boat on the River Stour in Christchurch Harbour.
The boat is operated by the Pink Champagne team - the only Breast Cancer survivor crew in the south.
The charity provides support to members following their cancer treatments.
This Dragon Boat Team began in 2008 by a group of breast cancer patients, in collaboration with the breast cancer team at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital and a team of exercise therapists.
Based in Dorset, they are now one of nearly 200 teams across the world who hope to inspire and encourage other breast cancer survivors.
Jo Keating
The ceremony which is known as the “Eye Dotting”, is also known as the “Awakening of the Dragon” and is repeated every year during the off-season. It is usually performed when the dragon boats are first returned to service and again just before racing.
Pink Champagne Breast Cancer Dragon Boat Team say their mission is to:
Encourage individuals who have been diagnosed with breast cancer to lead full and active lives.
Demonstrate the benefits of an active lifestyle through the sport of dragon boat racing.
Raise Awareness of breast cancer.
Provide Support and fellowship to team members.
Celebrate our lives.
Have Fun!