North Okanagan breast cancer survivors are ready to make waves in Florida this weekend,

Members of the Buoyant Buddies Dragon Boat Team will travel to Sarasota, Fla., to take part in the 2014 International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission (IBCPC) Dragon Boat Festival at Nathan Benderson Park between Friday and Sunday.

More than 3,000 Breast Cancer Survivors (BCS) and supporters from all over the world will participate, making this the largest festival the IBCPC has ever organized.

The event is designed to promote healthy living and to empower BCS to continue celebrating survivorship and quality of life after cancer.

“Our team is excited this event is being held in the U.S. and we are eager to head to Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota to paddle,” said Gladys Ewanick, of the Buoyant Buddies Team

“Being part of this world-class event at a world-class rowing venue is simply joyful. It enables us all to put our fears behind us and paddle forward to celebrate life.”

The festival begins with pre-race events on Friday that will include training sessions, education forums and social activities focused on breast cancer awareness, wellness and healthy lifestyles.

Race days are Saturday and Sunday.

Teams from all over the world, including from the U.K.s, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Italy, New Zealand and the U.S., will participate.