Dodie Krepps joined the Kootenay Rhythm Dragons in 2008, and on Sunday the 85-year-old was only one of the paddlers present for their tenth anniversary.
"We just saw off our Kootenay Rhythm Dragons," said Mary Walters, standing on the shore as the dragon boat pulled away from Lakeside Beach. Behind her approximately forty people stood, waving carnations in the air and singing while the rhythmic thump of the paddle drum provided percussion.
"We waved our pink carnations and sang 'go well and safely' which is a strong song to support our ladies and our whole team," said Mary Walters, one of the members.
She said she was proud of her team, which consists of breast cancer survivors and supporters between the ages of 30 and 85.
She said Krepps never misses a practice.
"I don't want to sit at home alone. I want to be with friends and people," Krepps said. "The girls are wonderful and being out on the lake is great."
The team is trying to raise awareness about breast cancer and to foster a supportive community for those affected by the disease.
For more information visit kootenayrhythmdragons.ca