Charleston Dragon Boat Festival

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James Hahn

2023 festival races

Dragon Boat Charleston is thrilled to announce the 2024 Charleston Dragon Boat Festival will be held on May 4 at Brittlebank Park. This is the festival’s 15th year celebrating the ancient Chinese sport of dragon boating and its ties to the cancer community. More than 40 community teams from across the region will be competing on the Ashley River and raising funds for the year-round cancer survivorship programs of Dragon Boat Charleston. The event is free and open to the public.

The festival's mission is to foster community spirit and support Dragon Boat Charleston's vision of redefining cancer survivorship. In addition to the exhilarating races, the festival will feature a poignant tribute to cancer survivors and a remembrance of those who have lost their battle to the disease, cultural performances, and a variety of food trucks. Attendees can immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, explore community resources, and enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the day.

“Dragon Boat Charleston is a support group like no other”, says Lucy Spears, a long-time member of the organization. “As a young cancer survivor, I needed this unique group to help me and my family see that there are many different ways to navigate the challenges that cancer throws at you. I’m grateful to still be part of it, making sure others can have that same experience. DBC is about so much more than paddling; it’s a family.”

Author Roger Jones will be on hand to sign copies of his newly released book, The Final Victory, which was inspired by true events while paddling with Dragon Boat Charleston’s all-cancer survivor team that won, against great odds, the 2010 national championship.

About Dragon Boat Charleston

Dragon Boat Charleston has been redefining cancer survivorship since 2003. The nonprofit’s mission is to promote the physical and mental wellness of cancer survivors and their community through dragon boating. Dragon Boat Charleston provides support through paddling and nutrition programs, as well as social activities for cancer survivors at any stage of the disease. Dragon Boat Charleston welcomes all members of the community, regardless of a cancer diagnosis. Membership is free to cancer survivors.

To learn more about Dragon Boat Charleston, how to join or support our mission, visit www.dragonboatcharleston.org.