Thanks to the 2008 Regatta Sponsors! Abreast in a Boat AT&T - APCA Cajun Invasion Pink Phurree St. John's Middle School St. John's Upper School West U Baptist Church

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 31, 2005
Caroline Long, President/Executive Director
(832) 687-7208
Eugene Lee, Chairman
(713) 966-5878
www.texasdragonboat.com

For additional photos contact
Annabelle Ruch
akruch@aol.com
(832) 771-7661
Photos available upon request

BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS INVITED TO COMPETE AT OCTOBER DRAGON BOAT REGATTA

Hosted by the Texas Dragon Boat Association in collaboration with Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership; Bay Area Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau; Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau; Harris County-Houston Sports Authority; and  Sylvia R. Garcia, Harris County Commissioner Precinct Two.

BAY AREA HOUSTON, TX – The Gulf Coast International Dragon Boat Regatta is currently seeking teams and sponsors to participate in the Breast Cancer Survivors (BCS) division on Sunday, October 23, 2005.

The overall Regatta will take place over two days on Pasadena Lake at Clear Lake Park.

In 2004 local BCS teams included Asian Cancer Council, Collegiate Cancer Council of University of Houston, Global Federation of Chinese Business Women, CIBA Vision’s Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation - Houston Affiliate, M.D. Anderson’s “Pink the Magic Dragon” Breast Cancer Survivors Team, Pink Ribbons Project/The Rose Diagnostic Center, Tara Energy’s ACS Silver Dollar Ball and University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center  Breast Cancer Survivors & Staff.

In preparation for the Regatta, Bayshore Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center in Pasadena is presenting a workshop on Saturday, August 20 to help breast  cancer survivors prepare for the great race.  "The two- to three-hour workshop is designed for beginners with little time and resources. We welcome participants of all ages”, said the H2U (Health Happiness You) Advisor Johnnie Fruge.  "Participation in the Dragon Boat Races is part of our Sports Medicine Department, and it gives our members and others an opportunity to support the cause while improving their health and well being.” 

According to Mary Connelly, coordinator for Canadians Abreast, teams are coming from as far away as Canada.. “We are working to raise worldwide awareness of breast cancer, showing that there can be happy, productive and fun-filled lives after breast cancer,” said Connelly. “We encourage survivors to regain control of their lives through sport and physical activity while supporting the fight for a cure."

Dragon boats are elaborately decorated 47-foot long vessels crewed by 20 paddlers, one drummer and one steersman.  Corporate, community, police/fire, municipal, breast cancer survivor and youth teams are invited to participate in races on Saturday and Sunday, October 22-23, 2005.  The Regatta is sanctioned as the 2005 USDBF Central Region Championships & ADBA International Festival. Teams will compete for industry Cups, the Texas Cup, and overall International Cup, as well as recognition as 2005 Central Region Champions.

Contact James Guzman at james.guzman@hcahealthcare.com or visit the website at www.texasdragonboat.com for more information about the workshop.

The Texas Dragon Boat Association is a 501(c)(3) Texas non-profit corporation established to promote the tradition and sport of dragon boating, increase awareness of Asian and Asian American culture, and enhance cross-cultural understanding. TDBA organizes the Houston Dragon Boat Festival in downtown Houston each May and the Gulf Coast International Dragon Boat Regatta in Bay Area Houston each October.

The American Dragon Boat Association is a volunteer organization dedicated to the promotion of friendship, fun, and education between teams and communities. Its mission is to promote cultural understanding on a worldwide basis and educate the public to the benefits of working together through the sport of dragon boat racing.

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