The Snapdragons had a glorious sunny day for their first races ever, at the 9th Annual DC International Dragon Boat Festival, May 15, at Thompson's Boat House in Georgetown. Amidst dancing dragons, banging drums, and burning incense, Chinese and DC dignitaries awakened the dragon before Paula Rothenberg, President of The Wellness Community of Greater DC, convened the Carnation Ceremony to commemorate those affected by breast cancer. Paula introduced Dave Winter, the NIH scientist who brought dragon boating to cancer survivors in the DC area, and Teresa Werth read her prize-winning poem, "Women I've Never Met." Four boats of survivors joined together at the dock to throw carnations into the water. Then the fun began. Pitted against two well established breast cancer survivor teams, the Snaps, even with 16 rather than 20 paddlers, showed that training and commitment can trump experience and numbers. With the support of our families, friends, and not least Club DC and The Wellness Community, the Snapdragons paddled hard and strong, improving our time with each race. Back at our tent we enjoyed ample refreshments and good company as Caroline and DeAntwan, the two youngest Snaps, played Scrabble and chess. Photos are by Amy Chen and Dan Joseph. For more Festival pictures, please visit Alice Lassiter's Picasa Album.
