Image Credit: Curtis Goodrum / CFJC Today

By Curtis Goodrum

KAMLOOPS DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

Kamloops Dragon Boat Festival pays tribute to breast cancer survivors

Aug 11, 2025 | 6:14 PM

KAMLOOPS – Competitors from all over the B.C. flocked to Kamloops this past Saturday (Aug. 9) to test their mettle as part of the Kamloops Dragon Boat Festival.

“This year we have 20 teams, eight mixed teams of men and there are women’s teams, 12 in total, representing a variety of places,” Festival Director Lucas Sweet said.

Those teams competed in 500 metre races and they paddled the South Thompson from where the old Red Bridge used to be to the finish line near the Riverside Park pier.

For participants, the event is all about getting to know their fellow paddlers better.

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“We’re all here paddling together, working together, supporting each other. It’s a good kind of fun, supportive environment,” said Lisa Thompson, President of the Kamloops Dragon Boat Club, one of three Kamloops teams that competed.

A pink carnation ceremony that honoured breast cancer survivors as well as people who have lost their battle with cancer was also held Saturday morning at Riverside Park.

“We’re there more for each other because each one of us has gone through a treatment of our own. And when we’re on the boat, we kind of chat back and forth about what their treatment was like and how long it’s been. It’s just a real support group,” said Dawn Robertson, a Dragon Boat Steerer on the Kamloops Spirit Warriors team said.

The Kamloops Spirit Warriors is comprised of people who have had or are currently undergoing breast cancer treatments.

“We have people on our team who are actually in treatment and they’re coming out to paddle with us,” Robertson added. “So, you know, strength. We just go at it very slowly, we move on and get them moving. The actual action of dragon boating is what’s important.”

The Kamloops Sports Council is looking ahead to next year, as it ponders over potential changes to the event.

“We continue to hear feedback from other organizers, the teams, and spectators,” Sweet added. “We’re trying to tweak and figure out how to grow this event. We have some ideas that are coming down the road.”