 | For more information about Dragon Boat Charleston, call Sterling Hannah at 843-792-3565 or e-mail: hannahs@musc.edu. |
Dragon Boating, a sport that originated in China more than 2,000 years ago, is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Twenty paddlers sit two abreast in colorful 48-foot vessels while paddling to the beat of a drummer, the heartbeat of the dragon. In 1996, a physician at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada created the first cancer survivor team. This team, called "Abreast in a Boat", quickly proved the importance of a team physical activity for both physical and emotional well being. Ten years later, more than one thousand survivors have formed survivor teams all across North America. Their goal is to promote the importance of physical wellness and psychological well-being following cancer treatment through this team-oriented outdoor support program. There is an emerging body of research suggesting that physical activity not only has a positive effect on quality of life following a diagnosis of cancer, but may also improve survival. As a committed leader in caring for the cancer patient as a whole person, Hollings Cancer Center recognizes the importance of a strong support network during and after a diagnosis of cancer. We also value the importance of returning to a healthy active lifestyle. The Hollings Cancer Center now is the owner of three dragon boats through its program called Dragon Boat Charleston. To learn more about this exciting program, visit www.dragonboatcharleston.org. |
