[PHOTOS] Dare you challenge pink elderly ‘dragons’?
Witness inspiring scenes of cancer patients, survivors paddling at Putrajaya Lakehouse Club
Updated 4 years ago · Published on 25 Aug 2022 5:29PM
Paddlers in their golden years train at the Putrajaya Lakehouse Club in preparation for upcoming local and international tournaments. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, August 25, 2022
by Azim Rahman
PUTRAJAYA – From a distance, the screams and roars of dragon boat paddlers break the silence at the usually serene Putrajaya Lakehouse Club.
At a closer glance, one may be surprised to discover that most of them are not young, but senior citizens in their 50s to 70s.
Attracting the attention of visitors every Sunday, this group of paddlers comprises patients and survivors of Malaysia’s most feared disease, cancer.
The members of the Pink Challengers Dragon Boat Club are currently training for the upcoming 8th Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta, which will be held in Kuching, Sarawak this October.
Do not be surprised if one day these paddlers, trained by national traditional boat racing athlete and Malaysian Games (Sukma) coach Azhari Hussen, compete in international races alongside younger sportsmen.
Their energetic actions were captured by The Vibes photographer AZIM RAHMAN recently. – The Vibes, August 25, 2022
The lake in Putrajaya is a training ground for the Pink Challengers Dragon Boat Club’s paddlers. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, August 25, 2022Good coordination in receiving and executing instructions is important in dragon boat paddling. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, August 25, 2022The cancer patients and survivors practicing and preparing the dragon boat paddling equipment . – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, August 25, 2022Despite being in their golden years, these paddlers still have a strong desire to participate in international competitions. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, August 25, 2022In addition to good exercise, paddling also helps to strengthen the affected muscles of cancer patients. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, August 25, 2022Despite their physical disadvantage against younger athletes, these paddlers have managed to survive the most feared disease among Malaysians, which is cancer. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, August 25, 2022In addition to the Kuching event, the Pink Challengers Dragon Boat Club paddlers will also participate in the international competition in New Zealand. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, August 25, 2022Azhari Hussen feels optimistic about the ability of these veteran paddlers to perform well after training them. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, August 25, 2022The spirit of fighting cancer gives Pink Challengers Dragon Boat Club paddlers the edge to compete in the dragon boat tournament. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, August 25, 2022
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