Life

Outdoors: Dragons on the Lagan – breast cancer boat race in Belfast

The Lagan Dragons boat racers meet every Saturday Picture: Lindsay Easson
The Lagan Dragons boat racers meet every Saturday Picture: Lindsay Easson The Lagan Dragons boat racers meet every Saturday Picture: Lindsay Easson

IF YOU or a friend or loved one has been affected by breast cancer, get down to the River Lagan today for some fun on the water in Belfast.

Lagan Dragons set sail several years ago to help women and also men affected by breast cancer. The group's aim is to improve fitness, have fun, provide support and raise awareness. An open day is taking place this morning from 10am to 11.45am at Bryson Lagansports facility on Ravenhill Road.

The Belfast team has 30 members with an age range from early 30s to mid-60s. All are all new to the sport of dragon boat racing – yet manage to look almost Viking in their warlike craft.

The dragon racers are meeting and sailing from now to November to enjoy an hour paddling on the Lagan, building up their strength and having fun. They gather each week at River's Edge at Bryson Lagansports.

The team also takes part in charity regattas and breast cancer races on the international stage.

Breast cancer dragon boat racing is an international movement inspired by the research of Canadian sports medicine specialist Don McKenzie. The movement has found that through paddling, women's fitness, general wellbeing and mental health all improve.

There are now seven groups in Ireland – Lagan Dragons is the first in the north.

If you would like to get involved contact: lagandragons@yahoo.co.uk or go Facebook Lagan Dragons/Twitter @LaganDragons

GLENARIFF WALK

YOUR columnist's intrepid Belfast Dynamos are walking at Glenariff today at 11am. And on April 22, the walkers are off to walk the woodland and coast of north Down's Crawfordsburn Park. Quote Irish News for both walks and the price is £1 each. For maps, locations and contact details go to Meetup.com or Google Belfast Dynamos. Tea and scones afterwards.