INTERVIEW: Dragon Divas of Minnesota head to France for breast cancer awareness

The Dragon Divas of Minnesota are preparing to represent the state in France as the team marks 20 years of paddling and breast cancer support.

Assistant coach and France Festival crew manager Allie Jogleker said the team formed 20 years ago after founder Dr. Mary Strypek looked for a way to start a dragon boat team and raise breast cancer awareness.

Jogleker said breast cancer survivors were once not commonly encouraged to do upper-body exercise because of concern it could worsen lymphedema symptoms.

According to the organization, scientific studies show exercise is important in preventing cancer recurrence and that dragon boating is beneficial to breast cancer survivors.

On Aug. 27, the Dragon Divas will compete at the International Br...