Raleigh Dragon Boat Club Marks Global Cancer Festival
Three Raleigh team members joined thousands in France for the 2026 International Breast Cancer Paddlers' Commission festival.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Cancer
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Three members of the Raleigh Dragon Boat Club recently returned from the 2026 International Breast Cancer Paddlers' Commission Participatory Dragon Boat Festival, held from August 24 to 30, 2026, in Aix-les-Bains, France. The global event brought together approximately 4,500 participants from 25 countries.
Why it matters
Participation in this global event highlights the mission of the Raleigh Dragon Boat Club to foster physical activity, confidence, and camaraderie among cancer survivors. By engaging in team sports, survivors build a supportive fellowship that extends well beyond their local practices.
The festival hosted 4,500 participants representing 25 countries. The Raleigh Dragon Boat Club, a nonprofit founded in 2011, continues to support its Chemo-Kazes team established in 2018.
The players
Raleigh Dragon Boat Club
This nonprofit organization based in Raleigh provides training and support for local dragon boat teams.
International Breast Cancer Paddlers' Commission
This global body coordinates dragon boat festivals to promote health and well-being among breast cancer survivors.
The details
The club conducts introductory practices at Lake Wheeler Park in Raleigh, providing all necessary equipment such as paddles, life jackets, and coaching. These sessions are specifically designed to welcome cancer survivors into the sport.
Timeline
The Raleigh Dragon Boat Club was founded in 2011.
Nonprofit status was granted to the club in 2017.
The Chemo-Kazes cancer survivor team was established in 2018.
The International Dragon Boat Festival was held from August 24 to 30, 2026.
The Big Picture
The Raleigh Dragon Boat Club operates in alignment with the International Breast Cancer Paddlers' Commission, which standardizes global survivor-led dragon boat programs. This participation marks the club's integration into an international movement focused on post-diagnosis recovery.
Survivors interested in joining can attend introductory practices at Lake Wheeler Park where the club provides all necessary safety and training gear. These sessions offer a low-barrier way to begin physical rehabilitation and build a community network locally.
The takeaway
Engaging in organized sports can offer significant physical and psychological benefits for individuals navigating life after a cancer diagnosis. Local clubs provide a practical entry point for survivors seeking to improve their fitness in a supportive team environment.
Further reading
Learn more about local support networks by visiting the Raleigh Cancer section.
More information
Find upcoming session details at the Raleigh Dragon Boat Club registration portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS17.
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