Update: The Warriors of Hope named their new boat ‘Spirit’ at a special ceremony on Olmstead Beach Tuesday. “Spirit definitely describes the spirit of every individual and our determination to keep going,” says Carol Philbin, team captain. Looking ahead, the team aims to compete in the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission Dragon Boat Festival in France.
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A special ceremony is being held Tuesday to retire ‘Jane’, the local Warriors of Hope dragon boat.
The team of breast cancer survivors’ boat was launched in 2000 with officials saying ‘Jane’, originally named ‘Jane Doe’, has been a symbol of strength, unity and inclusivity.
The community is invited to a ceremony at Olmstead Beach on Tuesday, July 9 (5:30 pm) to honour the legacy of ‘Jane’ and welcome the new boat.
“The launch of our new dragon boat marks not only a new chapter for the Warriors of Hope but also a tribute to the incredible journey that has been shared with Jane over the past 24 years,” says Sarah McGowan, Warriors of Hope secretary. “This event is a celebration of resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of all our members, past and present.”
Tuesday’s ceremony will include pink carnations being placed in the water to honour past members and loved ones who have passed.
