Hope Floats encompasses SNCC's Breast Cancer Survivor (BCS) and Cancer Survivor (CS) Dragon Boat crews. We support one another while improving and maintaining fitness. Sharing the benefits of exercise and team participation through dragon boat paddling with cancer survivors is our main focus.
Hope Floats' members are Cancer Survivors from the Niagara Region and beyond. Creating an atmosphere of inclusiveness, we are also members of SNCC's mixed crew Canal Dragons. This gives Hope Floats the best of both worlds, allowing us to train and race with our friends and families and still participate in events with a BCP or ACP only division.
We believe that true winners are people who support their community by engaging others in becoming more physically fit and healthier in a positive understanding environment, while learning new skills, having fun and enjoying the mutual support that only a team can provide.
We participate in BCP festivals including the International Breast Cancer Paddling Commission (IBCPC) festival that is held once every four years. We also participate in ACP specific activities, such as fundraising, socials, community outreach and additional practices leading up to BCP festivals. Participation in activities and festivals is not mandatory. Dragon Boat Canada and the International Dragon Boat Federation has recognized BCP as a division for many years, and have in recent years established an ACP division. We anticipate more ACP racing opportunities to be established.
Some of us have been paddling for just one season, others have been paddling for more than a decade. Some love to race in Dragon Boat festivals, others prefer not to compete at all. The commitment level is a personal choice.
Wellspring Niagara is our regional Cancer Support Centre. The Hope Floats Challenge is pleased to announce we have chosen Wellspring Niagara as the charity to support with pledges collected by teams. Collecting pledges is not mandatory, but please do consider it. Prizes for the top fundraiser!
The Hope Floats Challenge is owned by Alkame, it is a dragon boat festival. Partnering allows us to use this amazing event as a fundraiser for our dragon boat crews. Funds will be used for racing costs, including but not limited to racing clothes, registration fees for local, provincial, national and international events, help with travel expenses and accommodations, and equipment.
On Saturday & Sunday Canal Dragons has fundraising initiatives for our dragon boat crews, such as the beer tent, festival merchandise, basket raffle. Come on down and enjoy a day of spectating or participating in this fun event.
