Prairie Dragon Paddlers

09/02/2026

SAVE THE DATE!

Join us for a live online presentation with Q-and-A

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
What to know about Breast Cancer Genetics & Testing

DATE: Monday, September 21, 2026
TIME: 6:30 - 7:30pm
WHERE: Champaign Public Library, Robeson Rm B, will be offered via Zoom to the group gathered at Champaign Library or individually

FEATURING: Arlie Button, Lead Cancer Genetic Counselor @ Carle Health Institute

Presented by: Prairie Dragon Paddlers
Co-sponsored by Carle Health

RSVP BY SEPTEMBER 16TH to [email protected] Indicate whether you will attend in-person OR need a virtual link

09/02/2026

What an incredible week we shared at the International Dragon Boat Festival in Aix-Les-Bains, France

Our races took place on the breathtaking Lac Du Bourget, surrounded by the beauty of the French Alps.

Approximately 270 teams from 25 different countries came together, united by one powerful thing we all have in common — we are breast cancer survivors. 🩷

What a celebration!
We laughed. We cried. We celebrated.
We made new friendships and renewed old ones.
We shared stories, encouragement, hugs, and plenty of competitive spirit!

When it came to race, that competitive spirit came to life.
200m races - we placed 19th out of 170 teams
1000m race - 2nd in our heat - 5:26.27

The times, rankings, medals were only a part of the story. The real victory was being there — together — representing Prairie Dragon Paddlers, celebrating how far we have come, honoring the journey, and embracing every moment.

We left with memories, friendships, and a renewed appreciation for this incredible community of women who understand what it means to fight, to survive, to thrive, and to live fully.

France, thank you for the memories.
Lac du Bourget, thank you for the waters.

And to our amazing supporters who made the trip with us and those cheering us on from home — thank you for making this journey one we will never forget.

We are Survivors. We are thrivers. We are Prairie Dragon Paddlers.🐉🩷

08/30/2026

Today, sadly is our last festival day. We will race one 1000m race and leave it all on the beautiful water of Lac du Bourget.

Yesterday was a day of all emotions! We won our second 200m with a time of 58.13! Overall we came in 19th of 170 teams!

The video is from our 1st place 200m yesterday! So much fun!

08/28/2026

The weather kept us off the lake today. We used the down time to recover and rest. We are back in the races tomorrow (200m).

1st Race - 9:26 am
2nd Race - 11:26 am

Follow us on the LIVE link:

dragonboat.matsport.com

08/27/2026

*****EDIT. PARADE OF NATIONS AT 2:00om****

Bonjour friends!

Today is our opening day for the festival! The Parade of Nation’s will start at 3:00pm (France time) and Opening ceremony to follow.

Follow us on the Live Link.
HTTPS://live.ibcpcfrance2026.com

dragonboat.matsport.com (Race day times & results — We are team #100)

Welcome !mapevent schedulerace schedule & resultslive stream (coming soon)

08/26/2026

Good morning from France friends! We made to France and have hit the ground running! What a beautiful part of the country to explore!

We had our first practice yesterday. The lake is absolutely beautiful! We are so excited to be here along with our supporters to participate in this awesome event.

Paddles up!

08/23/2026

Au Revoir! We are on our way!

08/21/2026

TIMELINE: 3 days to go!

It’s getting real! The new dragon boats have arrived and the race schedule is out. 😊🐉

HTTPS://live.ibcpcfrance2026.com

dragonboat.matsport.com (Race day times & results — We are team #100)

08/18/2026

SAVE THE DATE: Monday, September 14th - Jarling’s Custard Cup fundraiser! 🍦

We are happy to partner with Jarling’s Custard Cup—Kirby location only— for a fundraiser day!

Jarling’s will donate 20% of customer sales who come in and mention Prairie Dragon Paddlers when ordering.

08/18/2026

IBCPC France Trip - 6 days!

PDP will be on the move in France!

Paddles Up!