Thanks to the charity fundraising efforts with Sainsbury’s East Prescot Road, Pool of Life have been able to purchase a new boat. Our existing boat, Hope, has welcomed hundreds of breast cancer survivors and supporters and will continue to do so.
The new boat will enable us to get even more people out on the water, to train with us and join in with us. As with every new dragon boat, there is to be a naming ceremony for her, and names are currently being considered, It is hoped that the naming ceremony will take place either at our Pink Paddle in August or our paddle in September.
The naming ceremony, which includes the dotting of the eye, is an important part of the dragon boat culture. When the eye of the dragon is dotted, it is believed that the dragon is awakened, and will be in the boat forevermore, bringing its power and safety to all who paddle in her.
On a warm summer day, with the help of the people from Amathus and Team GB, the boat was launched into the dock and paddled to her new home by two Pool of Life members.
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Some of our members were lucky enough to take her out for a paddle through the Queens Dock, although she had yet to be dressed in her head, tail and drum. As soon as she has had her naming ceremony she will be used for all our Pink paddles, and hopefully for many events in future years
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