Avalon Dragon Boating started in the spring of 2006 when Betty Ann Vaters invited a group of friends and colleagues together to bring dragon boating to Newfoundland and Labrador for breast cancer survivors. At that time, Newfoundland and Labrador was one of only two provinces that did not have a dragon boating team. From that first meeting, a group of committed volunteers decided to focus on bringing the sport to this province.
On October 30, 2006 Avalon Dragon Boating "unleashed the dragon" and announced their presence in the community through an exciting kick off held at the Johnson Geo Centre in St. John's. Part of the kick off was a call to breast cancer survivors to join our team. Within a month nearly 60 women in the area had joined Avalon Dragon Boating.
Early in 2007 construction began on the first dragon boat. Under the ever patient and supportive direction of Bruce Whitelaw, naval architect, the team sawed and hammered their way towards the water. On May 28, 2007 a keel laying ceremony was held at MacDonald Drive Junior High School in St. John's, the site of the Avalon Dragon Boating "boat yard". In keeping with maritime tradition the keel was signed by Bruce, the master boat builder, as well as all of the team members. Two coins were embedded in the keel for good luck, the team chose to use the special edition breast cancer ribbon quarters issued by the Royal Canadian Mint in 2006.
Avalon Dragon Boating is continually making plans for the future, be sure to check out the events section to see what's coming next.
