In strong form: The Pink Power Hong Kong dragon boat team raring to get into the water at the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Cancer survivors earned everyone’s salute when they formed a dragon boat team that kept training and racing long after their treatments ended.
This team, Pink Power Hong Kong, stood out at the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta, which kicked off at Straits Quay Marina yesterday.
More than 100 members of the group, including family and close friends, were in Penang to cheer them on.
About half of the 30 paddlers are cancer survivors, who became super fit after taking up paddling as part of their recovery.
The contingent was led by coach Frank Chu, 68, a well-known figure in Hong Kong’s dragon boat scene.
Among them was the team’s only Malaysian, Ng Tze Hon, 43, who has lived in Hong Kong for a decade.
Pink Power Hong Kong is officially recognised under the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association and is part of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission, a global network linking survivor teams worldwide.
They enjoyed strong form in past races, with their A and B squads finishing first and second at the International Cancer Survivors’ Championship during the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races.
A dragon boat team sharpening their skills during a practice run. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
“Our training routine is steady and disciplined. Members head out to the open sea in Hong Kong twice a week, focusing on coordination, stamina and rhythm,” Chu said.
“Many have competed in Hong Kong regattas for years, and each session also served as an important source of encouragement. When you’ve faced cancer, you learn that every stroke counts, in the boat and in life,” said Ng, who added that the team wanted their presence in Penang to send a simple message.
“We are not here only to compete. We want people to see that survivors can regain strength and confidence.
“The trophy is secondary, what matters is showing that recovery is possible.”
Among the survivors is Marjorie, 65, who has paddled with the group for several years, and said participating kept her active after treatment.
“I may not be the youngest. But paddling keeps me healthy and connected,” she said.
Participants showing how the dragon boat tug-of-war is done at Straits Quay Marina, Penang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
Pink Power Hong Kong is dedicating their participation and any success to cancer survivors everywhere, and to victims of the recent Hong Kong apartment fire at Tai Po that claimed at least 128 lives at press time.
“We carry them in our thoughts,” Ng said of the tragedy that weighed heavily on the Hong Kong community.
Today’s event at Straits Quay features the dragon boat tug-of-war, a crowd draw introduced in 2023.
It merged two traditions, the ritual roots of dragon boating and the military-training origins of tug-of-war in the spring and autumn periods.
The race itself will begin today after the opening ceremony.
