All-female dragon boat team to paddle across Lake Ontario for local charity

A group of 31 women will be the first all-female team to paddle across Lake Ontario on a dragon boat Friday, to raise money for a local charity.

31 women, one dragon boat, one historic crossing.

At the crack of dawn Friday, an all-female crew will push off from Niagara-on-the-Lake with their sights set on Toronto, and the record books.

“Paddles up! Take her away, nice and easy,” said Lori Dwyer, the team’s steerperson, during a practice session.

If they make it, they will become the first-ever all-women team to cross Lake Ontario in a dragon boat.

“Just keep paddling, keep your hips to the gunnel, keep us stead on the water,” said Dwyer.

Dwyer serves as the boat’s steerperson, the one thing keeping the boat on course.

“I’m feeling great about it – I think we’re going to do fantastic,” said Dwyer. “I’m going to do my best to keep us through the weather, through the waves, and if we capsize, we capsize, but I don’t think we will.”

“I think I’ve got this under control, hopefully the weather improves tomorrow, but it’s going to be a great day,” she said.

The over 50 km journey is raising money for a good cause.

“52, maybe a bit more kilometres and it’s going to take us about eight hours, and we’re going to raise money for Options For Independent Living and Development (OFILD), which is an organization that helps with disabilities, and that’s located in Hamilton,” said Marla Iyer, the event organizer.

To date, OFILD has helped 50 adults with disabilities, find housing and has helped them build meaningful, productive lives.

Thanks to this journey, the group is already halfway to their fundraising goal of $30,000, but they’re not crossing the lake alone.

“The Carefree Boat Club has sponsored us, and donated two safety boats, and a captain and the gas so we can get across safely,” said Iyer, “and the Auxiliary Coast Guard from Grimsby and Toronto are volunteering their time, so we get there safe and sound.”

Anyone inspired to help, or donate can find their fundraising page here.

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