Hundreds of people attended the Paddle For Life dragon boat festival Saturday in Ridgefield. Photo courtesy Catch-22 dragon boat team

The fundraising event benefits people in Clark County who have experienced breast cancer

RIDGEFIELD – Hundreds of people attended the Paddle For Life dragon boat festival Saturday in Ridgefield. The event helps raise funds to support Clark County’s only dragon boat team, Catch-22, to build and maintain a breast cancer survivor’s paddling community in Clark County.

Those in attendance were there to watch the competition as hundreds of paddlers competed in Southwest Washington’s only dragon boat festival. The free family friendly event provided spectators an opportunity to watch the impressive show of synchronization and power while learning about the ancient sport of dragon boating and strengthening community bonds.

Proceeds raised during this year’s Paddle for Life dragon boat races will support Clark County’s only dragon boat team Catch-22 to build and maintain a breast cancer survivor’s paddling community in Clark County, a much needed resource and support because one in eight American women will get breast cancer in their lifetimes.

The event helps raise funds to support Clark County’s only dragon boat team, Catch-22, to build and maintain a breast cancer survivor’s paddling community in Clark County. Photo courtesy Catch-22 dragon boat team

Participation in the ancient Chinese sport of dragon boat racing has become an international movement for breast cancer survivors, positively benefiting the health and wellbeing of tens of thousands of survivors worldwide. The fun and rigorous sport helps those who have experienced breast cancer feel empowered, build self-confidence, and take back control of their lives thanks to the healing power of water, exercise, community and the unique camaraderie of connecting and competing with other survivors.

Saturday’s event was held at the Lake River Ridgefield Kayak Launch. After the event, a medal awards ceremony was held.

Hundreds of dragon boat racers from teams up and down the west coast traveled to Ridgefield to compete in this fast-growing international sport that celebrates community, cultures, comradery and competition. Hundreds of attendees’ cheered on the teams as they paddled in unison to propel the boats forward down a 250-meter course with the intent of crossing the finish line. At this level, dragon boating becomes a sport of inches and tenths of seconds at the finish line.

Paddle for Life is a Vancouver-based nonprofit that has raised and donated tens of thousands of dollars to local charities since it was established in 2009.

The free family friendly event provided spectators an opportunity to watch the impressive show of synchronization and power while learning about the ancient sport of dragon boating and strengthening community bonds. Photo courtesy Catch-22 dragon boat team

About Clark County’s dragon boat team Catch-22

Vancouver Lake Rowing Club is home to the Catch-22 dragon boat team, a mixed team with paddling and racing opportunities for men and women with a special division for Breast Cancer Survivors. The team is always looking for new members. If you are a breast cancer survivor and want to experience an amazing sport and team camaraderie with fellow survivors, contact Catch-22 here.