All Cancer Paddlers (ACP)

ACP clubs in the US first began developing in 2000 to meet the needs of cancer survivors who saw the incredible benefits from participating in dragon boat to the Breast Cancer community and wanted to provide an inclusive opportunity
to all cancer survivors to reap the same wellness rewards. ACP is an inclusive
division welcoming all adult ages, all genders, for those who have been
diagnosed with any cancer and who may or may not have significant disability
related to their cancers. The USDBF is committed to supporting ACP divisions 
at all levels - local, national, and international.  In 2021, the USDBF created a special committee for the specific purpose of promoting and supporting the ACP division. 

#LavenderStrong

ACP embraces the lavender ribbon, which is a general cancer awareness ribbon, to celebrate ACP paddlers living with all types of cancer.

(Logo design by Lenny Cabanero-Harvey)

The Flower Ceremony

All ACP races are celebrated with a flower ceremony that honors those who have lost their lives waiting for a cure and commits those still living with cancer to live as fully as possible. Lavender flowers, like the lavender ribbon, are used to promote awareness of all types of cancer.  

At the 2019 ERDBA Regional Championships, the BCP and ACP divisions shared the flower ceremony,  each tossing a pink (BCP) or lavender (ACP) flower in honor of loved ones lost to cancer.

ACP Paddle Salute

The sport of dragon boat is known for nurturing a boat family, not just a team. All Cancer Paddlers see their competitors as one family having shared the experience of cancer.  We honor each other by doing a paddle salute for all ACP competitors to celebrate leaving it all out on the water after each race.