If you happen to be near the River Arno and hear the rhythmic pounding of a drum, the chances are the Florence Dragon Ladies are out on the water.
Their ages range from 45 to 77, but these ladies have one thing in common: they are all survivors of breast cancer. Having won the race of their lives, they are now channelling their energy and determination into this strenuous sport, and spreading the message that even after breast cancer, life can be active, fulfilling and fun.
Florence Dragon Ladies was launched in February 2006 by the Florentine section of the Lega Italiana per la Lotta contro i Tumori in conjunction with the city rowing club, the Società Canottieri Comunali. Since then, the team has been training twice a week with coach Alessandro Piccardi and has taken part in numerous races and events.
Dragon boat racing is one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world. The boat itself, which takes its name from the dragon head and tail decorations on the original Chinese crafts, is an open craft powered by up to 20 long-handled paddles and a steering paddle at the stern. The pace is dictated by the beat of a drum fitted in the bows.
(by Helen Glave, "Pink, the magic dragon", in The Florentine issue no. 59/2007 / June 28, 2007)
Other articles about us in English:
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Megan Brown, "Women with Strenght", in The Florentine, issue no. 110/2009 / October 22, 2009.
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