Raleigh Cancer Survivors Join Global Paddling Festival
Local participants join a movement that uses dragon boat racing to foster recovery and community for cancer survivors.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Cancer
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Three members of the Raleigh Dragon Boat Club recently represented the city at the 2026 International Breast Cancer Paddlers' Commission Participatory Dragon Boat Festival held August 24 to 30. This global event brought together approximately 4,500 participants from 25 countries to celebrate survivorship through the sport.
Why it matters
Active engagement in group sports like dragon boat racing helps cancer survivors build physical strength, confidence, and vital community support networks. For those in Raleigh, the club provides an accessible local entry point to these benefits.
The International Breast Cancer Paddlers' Commission festival drew 4,500 participants from 25 countries, marking a global gathering for the sport. The exact health outcomes for individual club members involved in such programs remain a subject for future population-level research.
The players
Raleigh Dragon Boat Club
A local nonprofit organization in Raleigh that promotes physical activity and fellowship through dragon boat racing.
The details
The Raleigh Dragon Boat Club, founded in 2011, created the Chemo-Kazes team in 2018 specifically for cancer survivors. The club provides all necessary coaching, paddles, and life jackets for introductory practice sessions held at Lake Wheeler Park. Through these activities, members focus on collective movement and teamwork, which researchers suggest can aid in both physical recovery and emotional well-being after a cancer diagnosis.
Timeline
The Raleigh Dragon Boat Club was founded in 2011.
The club obtained nonprofit status in 2017.
The Chemo-Kazes survivor team was established in 2018.
The International Dragon Boat Festival took place August 24 to 30, 2026.
Health Landscape
The Raleigh Dragon Boat Club aligns its efforts with the International Breast Cancer Paddlers' Commission, which advocates for dragon boat racing as a therapeutic model. This approach reflects a broader trend of integrating supportive exercise programs into post-cancer care.
Survivors interested in how group exercise might benefit their recovery should discuss physical activity options with their oncologist. Those in the area can visit local programs like the Chemo-Kazes to explore how supported, team-based athletics fit into their care plan.
The takeaway
Group sports offer cancer survivors a unique combination of physical conditioning and social support. Individuals interested in starting a new exercise routine should check with their physician to ensure the activity is safe for their specific recovery stage.
Further reading
Learn more about the link between physical activity and survivorship in our Cancer section.
More information
Find upcoming practice sessions and team information on the Raleigh Dragon Boat Club registration portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS17.
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