Awakening the Dragon

Dragonheart Vermont dots its ‘eyes’ to kick off 2025 boating season

Dragonheart Vermont, a local breast cancer support and dragon boating organization, announces the official start of its 2025 paddling season on June 2, when it holds its “eye-dotting ceremony.”

The public is invited to witness this centuries-old Chinese ceremony which is about awakening the dragon after its rest during the off-season. In Chinese culture, it is particularly associated with lion and dragon dances. It involves symbolically “awakening” the lion or dragon by painting its eyes, thus imbuing it with life and spirit. 

Weather permitting, after the eye-dotting ceremony, the dragons will be paddled around Burlington’s waterfront — reintroducing the dragons to the “water spirits.”

In a break with tradition, one will likely see Dragonheart Vermont dragon boats out on the water before the ceremony. That’s because some of Dragonheart Vermont’s teams will be heading to Montreal for the sixth annual Pan-American Club Crew Championships on July 4-6, and the teams need to squeeze in as many practices as possible before this international event.

In addition to competing on the world stage, Dragonheart Vermont offers programming to beginners as well. Thursday, June 5 will be a “Try Paddling Night” where folks will get the opportunity to get into a boat and try the sport. Participants need to register and sign a waiver in advance.

New breast cancer survivors that try the sport are eligible for a $100 annual membership to Dragonheart Vermont for their first year, a $200 discount.

And for folks who only want to paddle a couple of days this summer, participating in Dragonheart Vermont’s 2025 Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival is the way to go. This charity event supports those in our local community affected by cancer and still has berths open.

Community teams — the heart and soul of the festival — are formed by local businesses, organizations, sports teams, friends, etc. to compete in 200-meter races and raise funds. A full team consists of 17 people (16 paddlers and a drummer), but individuals can also register and Dragonheart will help find them a spot to race.

This year’s fundraising benefits Dragonheart Vermont, the Mahana Magic Foundation, and Sail Beyond Cancer Vermont. Dragonheart Vermont encourages community teams to register now to secure one of the limited team slots, guarantee you receive your requested T-shirt size and ensure successful fundraising.

Dragonheart Vermont strives to strengthen and empower breast cancer survivors and supporters through the challenging sport of dragon boating, instilling in members the values of teamwork, fitness and community giving and empowering survivors one paddle at a time.

The Vermont chapter of Sail Beyond Cancer offers private, three-hour respite sailing excursions for individuals living with cancer or currently in treatment. These meaningful experiences provide patients, caregivers and their families a chance to spend uninterrupted time together while surrounded by the healing beauty of Lake Champlain. Each sail reflects the core belief of Sail Beyond Cancer: that taking time to celebrate life’s beauty — especially during difficult times — is essential. They honor that by offering a unique, therapeutic experience that supports emotional well-being and fosters much needed resilience.

Mahana Magic supports children through a parent or guardian’s cancer journey. It is centered around making children feel understood, connected and nurtured through gentle support groups and thoughtfully curated programs.