Dragon Boat Festival Sept. 20 to support cancer survivors, community

The Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois (CSC) at Gilda’s Club is calling Quad Citians to come paddle with a purpose this fall when it launches its first-ever dragon boating races. The inaugural Mississippi Valley Dragon Boat Festival is planned for Saturday, Sept. 20, at West Lake in Davenport.  As many as 16 teams […]

The Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois (CSC) at Gilda’s Club is calling Quad Citians to come paddle with a purpose this fall when it launches its first-ever dragon boating races. The inaugural Mississippi Valley Dragon Boat Festival is planned for Saturday, Sept. 20, at West Lake in Davenport. 

As many as 16 teams of paddlers – experienced or not – are expected to hit the water for a day of fun, connection and purpose, organizers announced Wednesday, May 28. All proceeds from the event will support cancer support programs at CSC at Gilda’s Club.  “This is more than just a race – it’s a celebration of teamwork, resilience and the power of community,” Communications and Event Manager Lexi Bull said. “We’re inviting local businesses, civic groups, survivors, friends and families to grab a paddle and help us make a difference.”  During a Zoom session to introduce the event, Ms. Bull said dragon boating is growing in popularity among athletes and non-athletes but especially among cancer survivors. For breast cancer survivors, in particular, the skills necessary for paddling a dragon boat build upper body strength, reduce lymphedema risk and boost heart health.  Ms. Bull said increasing demand for CSC’s programs and rising numbers of those impacted by cancer are driving the need for an additional fundraiser to help fund free programming. In 2023, the local CSC served 807 members. That grew to 1,159 in 2024.   For the past 27 years, the local Gilda’s Club affiliate has provided free emotional and social support to anyone impacted by cancer including patients, survivors, caregivers and loved ones. Programs are designed to support the whole family. Professionally led, programs offer everything from support groups to healthy lifestyle activities, wigs, resource navigation, and even comforting meals. Every service is offered at no cost to club participants. 

What is dragon boating?

In a news release, CSC described dragon boating as an exhilarating team sport rooted in ancient Chinese tradition, where teams paddle in perfect unison – guided by the beat of a drum – to power a sleek boat across the water. 

To launch the new event, Ms. Bull said Cancer Support Community is partnering with 22 Dragons, one of North America’s leading dragon boat event providers. The Montreal, Canada-based company, brings more than 20 years experience of producing dragon boat events, club management and coaching certification.  The company will provide all the equipment for the races including the 20-foot dragon boats as well as training for the competitors. On its website, 22 Dragons said the sport is easy to learn, extremely safe and accessible regardless of your age or physical ability.  Its trained personnel will lead the race operations as well as provide a coached practice session at West Lake a day ahead of the competition for all registered paddlers. For the Mississippi Valley Dragon Boat Festival, teams can include up to 16 paddlers and at least one-third of the crew (six) must be women, organizers said. Each team must have a minimum of nine paddlers (up to 16) to participate.

Widespread interest

On race day, teams will compete in three heats. Ms. Bull said depending on who signs up, there could be some special divisions by category – such as a Financers Cup, a Mayor’s Cup or even a survivors' heat.  For Tracey Welch, a breast cancer survivor from Long Grove, Iowa, the event brings a sport she’s grown to love right close to home.  Ms. Welch, who participated in the Wednesday Zoom call about the event, said there is an international community of dragon boaters. At an international event in Italy, she said there were some 4,000 survivors from around the globe participating. She recalled the event’s pageantry, including a parade of nations. “It was so impactful, and very cool.” She also stressed how key teamwork is in dragon boating. “You can’t move 1,000 pounds along the river without teamwork,” she said, adding that all the paddlers must work in unison.  The event is open to all – from experienced paddlers to cancer survivors, supporters and more. Competitors must be at least 16 years old. Local organizers already expect participation from across the state and beyond. The festival will be Iowa’s third dragon boat race, she said, joining Dubuque and Fort Dodge.  “We’ve reached out to a lot of club teams” who may be interested in participating, Ms. Bull said, adding that one club is as near as Cedar Rapids and another is in the Chicago area.   To participate, sponsorship levels are: Corporate, $2,000; Community, $1,500; and $1,000, nonprofit or college.  Fundraising options are available to help teams cover entry costs. 

‘Symbol of survivorship’

For cancer survivors, dragon boating is especially meaningful, CSC said in its release. The sport celebrates strength after struggle, offering survivors a physical outlet, emotional empowerment, and the chance to reconnect with their bodies and each other. The rhythmic movement of paddling, the supportive team environment, and the thrill of the race all contribute to healing in ways that go beyond medicine.   CSC at Gilda’s Club is seeking both participants and sponsors for the September event. Sponsorship packages vary and offer a range of opportunities. Like the event itself, all proceeds stay local to support the club’s support programs.  To register for the Mississippi Valley Dragon Boat Festival or to learn more, visit https://www.csciowaillinois.org/dragon/.