For the second year in a row, the Kootenay Robusters Dragon Boat team came home from the Penticton Dragon Boat Festival with gold medals. Teams compete in two 500 meter heats to secure a place in one of six divisions: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Jade, Diamond and Platinum. Then on the second day of the festival semi-final and final races determine the winners. Last year the Robusters won the Gold Division and this year moved up an entire level to take top place in the Jade Division.
After years of struggling to build membership, in 2026 the Robusters welcomed 11 new paddlers to the team. Coach Joy Anderson commented, “I can’t believe how quickly they improved and how committed they all were to making every practice so they could develop strength and skill.”
Blue skies and calm waters lasted for the first day of the festival before the skies darkened on Sunday. After a winning finish in their third race, the Robusters joined other teams under cover as the skies opened and torrential rain and wind hammered the festival. The Breast Cancer challenge had to be cancelled – although the moving carnation ceremony by the lakeside still took place with umbrellas and raincoats protecting everyone. Finally the officials determined that conditions were too stormy to hold the finals and everyone headed to the beer garden for the medals ceremony and some energetic dancing to warm up.
The Robusters will be winding up their paddling season shortly, but will head out into the communities to continue raising awareness of breast cancer and selling their popular calendars and raffle tickets. Sales of these items help keep fees low and cover program costs. As well, a portion of funds raised go to provide for the needs of oncology patients. Since the calendar sales began In 2005 we have donated $72,500.00 to local hospitals.
