Nanaimo regatta blends competition with cancer-care fundraising
Breast cancer survivors were placed at the heart of the Westwood Lake Dragon Boat Regatta in Nanaimo this weekend, an event that pairs community sport with a focus on local cancer care. The two-day regatta, now in its second year, began Saturday, July 18, and concludes Sunday, July 19, with proceeds directed to support cancer treatment at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH).
Organized by VI Paddling, the regatta builds on a longstanding Island tradition of celebrating survivor crews while drawing competitors from across Western Canada. Organizers said the spotlight on breast cancer teams remains central to the event’s purpose and identity.
Survivor focus and voices from the water
Among the paddlers was Rashida Hamir of the Breast Friends Dragon Boat Racing Team from Edmonton. She said racing is about reclaiming strength after illness and standing shoulder to shoulder with other athletes on the start line.
“[I] want to feel that [I’m] strong and can do anything that everybody else can do,”Hamir said, reflecting the resilience and solidarity seen throughout the day’s races.
Event president Tom Arnold underscored the intent behind the regatta’s design and programming. He said Nanaimo’s races have historically showcased breast cancer crews, and the organization aims to preserve that legacy while raising funds to bolster local treatment options at NRGH. Arnold also highlighted the geographic breadth of participation, with teams from Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and Alberta joining Nanaimo-based paddlers.
Participation, schedule and competition field
Organizers reported a strong turnout. According to Arnold, 50 teams raced on Saturday, with another 40 teams expected to compete on Sunday. That level of participation reinforces Westwood Lake’s standing as a regional hub for dragon boat competition and provides a high-visibility platform for survivor-focused racing.
| Day | Number of Teams |
|---|---|
| Saturday, July 18 | 50 |
| Sunday, July 19 | 40 |
While racing remains the centrepiece, the event’s programming ensures that survivor crews are not just competing— they are being recognized. Specific races were dedicated to breast cancer survivors, bringing spectators’ attention to the causes that motivate many of the teams lining up at the start buoys.
Why it matters to Nanaimo
The regatta’s fundraising mission aligns with a practical local need: sustaining and improving cancer treatment services at NRGH. With survivor teams travelling to Nanaimo alongside Island and Mainland clubs, the city benefits not only from visitor attendance but also from heightened awareness of local health-care priorities. The event’s dual purpose—competition on the water and support for patients—adds civic value to a summer sporting weekend.
- Beneficiary: Cancer treatment at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
- Organizer: VI Paddling; event is in its second year
- Participation: 50 teams on Saturday; 40 teams on Sunday
Arnold summed up the regatta’s approach to continuity and purpose: the races are designed to keep survivor teams front and centre, maintaining a tradition Nanaimo has helped cultivate.
“The races in Nanaimo have always been a showcase for breast cancer teams, and so we’ve wanted to preserve that legacy … We’re really excited to have breast cancer teams from the Island, from the Mainland, even as far away as Alberta here today.”
As the final heats launch at Westwood Lake, the focus remains squarely on the survivors in the boats—and on the community cause their strokes help advance.
