The Kootenay Rhythm Dragons are hard at work preparing for a busy upcoming rowing season.
This past Saturday, the dragon boat team participated in a pre-race massage clinic run by local registered massage therapist Christine Sutherland.
When the Dragons participate in competitions, team members take part in two races a day. Because of the time between the races, the athletes need group aerobics to stay loose and ready for the next race.
“Christine [Sutherland] suggested that group massage would be beneficial,” says Rebecca George, the captain of the local senior team. “We’re very lucky to have her do this.”
Sutherland offered the team different techniques of group massage to use before and after races and practices.
The 80 members of the Kootenay Rhythm Dragons are practicing diligently in preparation for upcoming races in the summer, with their boat on the water six days a week.
The team is particularly excited about the BC Senior Games, being jointly hosted in August by Nelson, Trail and Castlegar.
Nelson hosts the dragon boat races at Lakeside Park and will have approximately 20 teams from around the province.