Who are the amaBele Belles

Who are the amaBele Belles

We are the first Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Racing Team in Africa! ‘amabele’ means ‘breasts’ in Xhosa. Our team consist of ladies of all ages and we welcome women of all fitness levels – including those who haven’t done sport since school. Our aim is to encourage all breast cancer survivors to join in [...]

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What is Dragon Boat Racing?

What is Dragon Boat Racing?

Dragon boat racing originated in China over 2500 years ago and is one of the fastest growing sports in the western world today. This spectacular and exciting team sports was introduced to South Africa in 1992. Teams consist of 20 paddlers, a drummer, a helm, and a coach. Dragon boat racing is a sport anyone, [...]

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Goals of the amaBele Belles

Goals of the amaBele Belles

To introduce Breast Cancer Survivors to the sport of Dragon Boat Racing with the aim of improving their general physical fitness and psychological well-being in so aiding their recovery. To show that physical activity and a vibrant life exist after cancer. To provide an image of health and inspiration to people with cancer from all [...]

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Dragon boat racing and breast cancer

Dragon boat racing and breast cancer

Dragon Boat Racing is a unique and fun form of upper body exercise. Recent research suggests that upper body exercise can improve the psychological and physiological well-being of breast cancer patients. Breast cancer survivor teams competed in the first Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Championships in Singapore in 2006. The amaBele Belles participated and brought [...]

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Outreach Newsletter 1

Outreach Newsletter 1

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Mel Raath featured in Women’s Health

Fight Club

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The Oprah Magazine Circle of Women campaign

The Oprah Magazine Circle of Women campaign

Congratulations! O, The Oprah Magazine and Innoxa would like to thank you and the Amabele Belles for participating in the Circle of Women campaign. For giving so enthusiastically of your time to engage with us on how your circle of women support, uplift and enrich each other’s lives, Innoxa would like to donate R12 000 [...]

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Belle featured on Health-E News

Belle featured on Health-E News

Cancer survivor Jenny Heunis recently met her idol and fellow cancer survivor Lance Armstrong when he visited Cape Town. Jenny shared her story of triumph and how being mentally and physically strong helped her to pull through challenging times with the health-e website – www.health-e.org.za/cancer/news/article.php?uid=20032722. Here is the story: In April 2000 I saw, my [...]

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International BCS Dragon Boat Festival Canada 2010

International BCS Dragon Boat Festival Canada 2010

The amaBele Belles have recently returned from Celebrating Life with over 2000 breast cancer survivors in Canada. WOW what a wonderful time we had in Peterborough, Canada! From the time we climbed off the bus at our hotel to the time we left on the Monday we were made to feel special – the people [...]

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Survivors Day 2010

Survivors Day 2010

A few of the amaBele Belles attended the Southern Suburbs Cancer Survivor’s Day recently held in Cape Town.  A marvellous day at WPCC.

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Regatta 26 September 2010

Regatta 26 September 2010

On Saturday, 26 September there was a regatta.  The weather was spectacular, the mountain a picture and the vibe just screaming SUMMER has arrived.  This was a SPECIAL regatta as we had FIVE paddlers taking part in their first regatta.  It would have been SIX paddlers if Val had been fit and healthy – get [...]

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Belles welcome the Journey of Hope ladies

Belles welcome the Journey of Hope ladies

A couple of the Belles were at Willowbridge, Tyger Valley on Saturday, 16 October to welcome the bikers back from their journey. There was even a few Belles who rode pillion to the final destination. For more go to http://www.journeyofhope.co.za

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amaBele Belles turned 5

amaBele Belles turned 5

On 6 April 2011 the amaBele Belles dragonboat team turned 5! In typical Belles tradition we celebrated in style – with all the Belles looking resplendent in their black and pink. Mowbray Bowls Club was the venue and Sharon and her team decorated the venue with a definite ‘pink’ vibe. There were delicious snacks for [...]

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Info Handout

Info Handout

As part of our education and awareness programme we handed out 2000 Belles branded lip ice and information pamphlets to rush-hour commuters on Cape Town Station.

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