Island Breaststrokers

The Island Breaststrokers is a Canadian nonprofit organization based in Victoria, British Columbia, dedicated to supporting breast cancer survivors and thrivers through participation in dragon boat racing. The organization was established in the fall of 1996 by Marjorie Woodroffe after she was inspired by Vancouver’s “Abreast in a Boat,” the original breast cancer survivor dragon boat team, which competed at the 1996 Victoria Dragon Boat Festival.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Island Breaststrokers is to provide breast cancer survivors and thrivers with an opportunity to engage in strenuous, repetitive upper body exercise by competing in dragon boat racing. This activity aims to demonstrate the benefits of an active lifestyle while raising public awareness of breast cancer. The organization promotes fitness, well-being, inner strength, and fosters a sisterhood of community ambassadors for breast cancer awareness.

Their vision is to paddle united with respect, nourishing fitness and wellness, thereby promoting hope, mutual support, and honoring the memory of those who have died from breast cancer.

Objectives

The key objectives of the Island Breaststrokers include:

• Promoting breast cancer awareness through public outreach.
• Celebrating life through fitness and wellness.
• Providing mutual support to survivors and thrivers.
• Honoring the memory of breast cancer victims.

They emphasize inclusivity, believing that anyone affected by breast cancer who wishes to participate in this healthy, supportive, and inspirational sport should have the opportunity to do so.

History and Activities

Since their racing debut in 1997, the Island Breaststrokers have been active in advocating for early detection of breast cancer and modeling a healthy lifestyle. The team consists of diverse women united by the shared experience of breast cancer, exemplifying how regular physical exercise aids in returning to an active life post-diagnosis.

The team trains and competes locally on the Gorge Waterway in Victoria and has represented their message globally with participation in events across South Africa, Singapore, Australia, Miami, and upcoming plans for the 2026 International Breast Cancer Dragon Boat Festival in Aix-les-Bains, France.

Community Engagement and Fundraising

The Island Breaststrokers actively engage in fundraising and community events to support their activities and outreach. Their fundraising efforts help sustain their participation in international competitions and promote awareness campaigns locally.

The Island Breaststrokers demonstrate resilience and health through dragon boating, serving as a model for breast cancer survivors worldwide by showing the benefits of physical activity and community support in survivorship[1][2][5].

[1] https://islandbreaststrokers.com [2] https://www.charitydata.ca/charity/island-breaststrokers/843287111RR0001/ [3] https://vipaddling.com/vip-teams/island-breaststrokers/ [4] https://islandbreaststrokers.com/news-events/ [5] https://fundraising.westcoastseeds.com/pages/organizations/island-breaststrokers