Dragon boat racing originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. Not only is it a popular recreational and competitive sport nowadays, but dragon boat paddling has been shown to be safe and beneficial, both physically and emotionally, for women recovering from breast cancer treatment.
The Paddle for CancerSupport Dragon Boat Festival highlighted this direct (and highly positive) link between breast cancer rehabilitation and paddling. It also provided an opportunity for increased corporate social responsibility among companies and organisations.
The Festival was Cancer Support Switzerland’s biggest annual awareness event and fundraiser from 2007 to 2019. On the first Sunday of September, it brought together up to 3,000 people for a family day at the Lac de Joux, at l’Abbaye in Vaud.
In its final year, over 40 corporate and open dragon boat teams took part in the races. The Festival village included information stands, food trucks, and children’s activities such as a bouncy castle and Mini-Dragon boat races, among others.
While the Paddle for Cancer Support festival is no longer organized, we welcome you to get in touch if you would like to explore organizing a bespoke dragon boating event for your company.
