The members of Dallas United Crew’s PINK Dragon Boat team may seem like an unlikely assembly of women.  They vary in age from 35-75 with diverse backgrounds, views, and affiliations.  Most came to the unique sport with no previous experience and little athletic background.  The one defining factor that brought them together, was being on the receiving end of a breast cancer diagnosis.

Since introducing breast cancer survivor dragon boating to the DFW area in 2015, DUC Pink has welcomed over 100 teammates and competed in festivals both domestically and internationally.  While each race presents an opportunity for personal growth and camaraderie,  perhaps the most poignant moments on the water happen at the end of each season during the Flower Ceremony.

The Flower Ceremony began in 1996 in Vancouver by a BCS team who wore pink flowers in honor of a teammate who could not join them in the boat.  The impromptu tossing of the flowers onto the water after their race started a tradition that is now deeply rooted in dragon boat culture.

This year’s celebration of life and remembrance will be held Saturday, October 29th at 9:00am on White Rock Lake.  The team will paddle out in two of the 22 person boats,  interlock arms to join the two boats together, and take time to honor their teammates. Each flower tossed upon the water, representing a personal story.

The public is welcome to join on the dock at Big Thicket to participate and celebrate the life of all of those currently battling breast cancer, those who are thriving post cancer diagnosis, and to remember those who are no longer with us.

For more information, please visit their Facebook page at Dallas United PINK.

Saturday, October 29 @ 9:00am

Big Thicket Dock on White Rock Lake -- 430 E Lawther Drive, Dallas, TX 75218