Each year, Dragon Boat racers come together to square off on the waters of Lake Erie, partially for the novelty of participating in a fascinating sport, and partially to support the fight against breast cancer.
This year is the second annual Hope Chest Buffalo Niagara Dragon Boat Festival Race, which will take place on Saturday, June 15 at Gallagher Beach at Buffalo’s Outer Harbor.
For those of you who love the waterfront, and are always looking for new reasons to head to the shores of Lake Erie, this sport is one that has already captivated the imaginations of many, and will continue to do so as the competition has already doubled in size since last year, with 54 teams registered! “It is so rewarding to be involved in dragon boat racing and to watch the women involved emerge from within themselves and become so powerful,” said Amy Lipsitz, COO of L&M Financial and sponsor of Team L&M. “It shows that surviving breast cancer does not just mean surviving, it means thriving, and it reminds us all to look at what is ahead instead of what is behind us.”
Amy’s mother, Betsy Lipsitz, was diagnosed with cancer, which spurred on the Lipsitz family and Team L&M to raise funds to purchase a dragon boat (aptly named Betsy Lee) for a team of all breast-cancer survivors that was in need of a boat. Last year Team L&M placed second in the mixed division, and is anticipating the capture of first place this year after participating in a special 12-week training program that has been created for all participating teams. The dragon boat teams are made up of 22 people, with 20 paddlers, a drummer, and someone to steer the craft.
The sport of dragon boat racing has its origins in southern China, and according to Amy is the world’s fastest growing international team water sport. Come down to the Buffalo waterfront on June 15 and cheer on all of the teams, and don’t forget to bring our bikes to explore the rest of the Outer Harbor developments while you’re at it!
Lead photo: Dragon Boat racers getting ready for the big day.