Power of the Dragon

🐉💜 DRAGON SISTER SPOTLIGHT: SONJA GRACI 💜🐉

Sometimes the best decisions are the ones you make on a whim.

Two years ago, a friend asked Sonja if she'd like to try dragon boating. It was the last practice of the season, and she decided to say yes.

"I wanted to say yes to more things. Try something new."

What she found was much more than a new activity.

For Sonja, dragon boating is a reminder to enjoy the moment—the fresh air, the people around her, and the simple joy of being on the water.

When the boat is perfectly in sync, there's a feeling she can't quite describe.

"There is a certain sound that comes with it, and the satisfaction from the right movements becomes therapeutic."

Her advice for anyone considering dragon boating?

"It's a fun way to get exercise, fresh air, and human companionship in one shot."

What she loves most about Power of the Dragon is that these are real women showing up, supporting one another, and doing their best.

"All they want from you is to show up and do your best."

And when it comes to practice, one person stands out.

"Jode, our coach, is my favourite part. He's a fountain of dragon boat knowledge, he's funny, and he wants us all to become a formidable team."

Away from the boat, Sonja is a voracious reader.

"Some people dream about being buried in money. I'd rather be crushed under an avalanche of books."

She describes herself as someone who tries her best, doesn't overthink things, and, in her own words:

😄 "A socially adequate gremlin."

If Power of the Dragon had a theme song?

🎵 *Can't Hold Us* by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.

And when does Sonja feel most alive?

😂 "When Jode says 'last 15 seconds' and I know that's a lie."

Thank you, Sonja, for your humour, determination, and wonderful energy. We're so glad you said yes to that first paddle. 💜

🐉💜 DRAGON SISTER SPOTLIGHT: PIERRETTE HÉBERT 💜🐉

Sometimes the best adventures begin right next door.

More than a decade ago, Pierrette was introduced to dragon boating through her neighbour, who happened to work with our teammate Isabel. After years of spending her time supporting her son through hockey, baseball, and other sports, she realized it was finally time to find something for herself.

What she discovered was much more than a sport.

"The most amazing feeling of being on the water, the camaraderie that we have with those ladies is the best."

Since joining Power of the Dragon in 2014, Pierrette has found not only a passion, but a second family.

"This team is a second family and you can count on those ladies."

For her, one of the greatest feelings in dragon boating is when everything comes together and the boat moves as one.

"Wonderful feeling of having the boat moving in sync."

If someone is thinking about trying dragon boating, Pierrette doesn't hesitate:

"Come and try it. We have the best team, and the coach is very good. The time on the water is precious."

What makes Power of the Dragon special to her?

"We have fun together."

And what does she admire most about her teammates?

"The energy they come with at each practice."

The word she uses to describe the boat's energy is simple and perfect:

✨ Fun.

One of the things she loves most about dragon boating is that it gives her something many women forget to make time for:

❤️ Time for herself.

Away from the boat, people are often surprised to learn that she is a dragon boat paddler. When she's not on the water, she enjoys taking long walks and spending time with the people who matter most.

"My family and my friends."

Pierrette describes herself as:

✨ Punctual
✨ Dedicated
✨ A good listener

And when does she feel most alive?

🚣‍♀️ "When I'm paddling on the canal."

Thank you, Pierrette, for your commitment, positive spirit, and for reminding us that it's never too late to carve out time for yourself and discover a new passion. 💜

For her, one of the greatest feelings in dragon boating is when everything comes together, and the boat moves as one.

🐉💜 DRAGON SISTER SPOTLIGHT: KAREN SAUDER 💜🐉

Sometimes all it takes is a friend's invitation to change the course of your life.

Six years ago, Karen's friend and teammate Catherine McCuaig encouraged her to give dragon boating a try. What she found wasn't just a sport—it was a welcoming community that quickly became an important part of her life.

"I joined because of the warm, friendly welcome I received."

Now, six years later, Karen says paddling helps her feel young and has brought a special energy to her retirement years.

"It has helped make my retirement more enjoyable."

For Karen, dragon boating is about more than fitness. It's about being part of something bigger than herself. It's about friendship, laughter, and those magical evenings spent on the water.

When the boat is moving perfectly together, her answer is simple and beautiful:

"It feels like flying."

If someone is nervous about trying dragon boating, Karen offers the kind of encouragement that perfectly captures the spirit of Power of the Dragon:

"We're mostly old ladies and if we can do it — so can you!"

What keeps her coming back year after year is the camaraderie. She deeply admires the strength of will she sees in her teammates and describes the energy in the boat with one simple word:

✨ Fun.

One of her favorite parts of practice?

"The lovely evenings as the sun is setting."

Away from the dragon boat, Karen is a woman of many talents. She practices Tai Chi almost every day and is actively involved in amateur theatre, both on stage as an actress and behind the scenes helping productions come to life.

When asked what gives her strength every day, her answer was heartfelt:

❤️ "The love and support of my husband."

Three words that describe Karen?

✨ Creative
✨ Friendly
✨ Open

And if Power of the Dragon had a theme song?

🎵 "We Are the Champions!"

When does Karen feel most alive?

"When I'm surrounded by friends."

🐉 Dragon Sister Snapshot

• Years on the team: 6
• Occupation: Commercial Interior Designer
• Favorite thing about dragon boating: Being out on the water
• One thing people should know about our team: We laugh a lot.

Thank you, Karen, for bringing your creativity, kindness, and joyful spirit to our dragon boat family. We're so glad Catherine invited you to that first practice. 💜

🐉💜 DRAGON SISTER SPOTLIGHT: RACHEL BURMAN 💜🐉

Sometimes the people who introduce us to something new have no idea how much it will change our lives.

For Rachel, that person was her mother.

After joining Power of the Dragon and falling in love with the sport, Rachel's mother invited her to try dragon boating. Rachel originally joined to spend time with her mom, but what began as a shared activity quickly became a passion of her own.

"I joined in order to pursue a fun activity with my mom, but I enjoyed it so much that even after she had to leave the team, I kept going."

Since joining in 2019, dragon boating has transformed how Rachel sees herself.

"I was a reasonably active person before joining, but as a member of Power of the Dragon, I became 'someone who does sports.'"

What started as a weekly practice gradually became something much bigger—a reminder that she was capable of pushing herself, learning new skills, and embracing challenges.

"Why should the jocks have all the fun, right?"

One of Rachel's favourite rituals is biking through Montréal's Old Port and along the Lachine Canal before arriving at practice. The journey itself has become part of the experience.

"It's been very grounding and meaningful for me and has provided reliable comfort and pleasure through some devilishly difficult times."

And when the boat is perfectly in sync?

"I have the very satisfying feeling of funnelling my bodily energy into a system greater than myself, one that can achieve more than I can alone."

Rachel describes Power of the Dragon as a team built on dedication, spirit, friendship, and an impressive talent for brunches and fundraising campaigns.

She especially appreciates our coach, Jode.

"He combines energy and humour with a clear and methodical approach to teaching paddling technique."

Outside the boat, Rachel is a musician and composer with a deep love for music and the arts. She also lives in a house without a sofa.

"We watch movies from straight-backed wooden chairs."

What makes Rachel feel strong?

"Doing hard things."

And if Power of the Dragon had a theme song?

🎵 *Ode to Joy.*

When does she feel most alive?

✨ "When I'm creating."

Thank you, Rachel, for bringing your creativity, thoughtfulness, and adventurous spirit to Power of the Dragon. We're so glad your mom invited you to that first practice. 💜