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PUTRAJAYA – There is more to life after cancer, said Pink Challengers Dragon Boat Club president Debbie Wong.
Every Sunday, some 50 women between the ages of 50 and 70 years old would gather at the Putrajaya Lakehouse Club with a paddle in hand and life jacket over them, slowly wheel the boat on a trolley and into the water.
These women, said Debbie, are breast cancer patients and survivors.
They are preparing to compete at the upcoming 8th Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta in October, which will be held in Kuching.
“October is Pink October, it is a breast cancer month around the world.
“Malaysia, for the first time, are going to hold a cancer race category. So, we are excited about that,” said Debbie.
The tournament returns to Malaysia after being on hiatus for more than two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Pink Challengers ladies are not training on their own, but they have been under the guidance of national traditional boat racing athlete and Malaysian Games (Sukma) coach, Azhari Hussen.
“I’m impressed with their cooperation and team spirit. It is extraordinary.
“Their performance has improved over the years and I can say that they are doing well in the Asian region,” said Azhari.
To hear more about their inspiring journey, The Vibes Sports and Fitness went down to Putrajaya recently to see for ourselves how these brave women prepare for the tournament. – The Vibes, August 21, 2022