Today was a day of “rest” or “active rest” for many. I think most of us slept very well after the long flight (or “extreme sightseeing”) and practice the afternoon before. The weather was sunny and hot again – perfect for being outside and exploring Firenze – our host city!
Because members of the team were spread out around the city, staying in small groups, there was no fixed plan and groups were able to explore based on their own interests.
We all convened at Piazza Pitti at 5pm to line up for the Parade of Nations. Here we met one of our two amazing Team Ambassadors, Patricia, who stayed with us and supported us throughout the evening. More than 4000 paddlers from 121 teams from 18 countries were represented at the parade, coming from all continents. The teams lined up with their countries but walked with their teams. Rowbust “R” was alphabetically closer to the end of the Canada pack (33 teams!!) so the spectators along the route were warmed up with Canadian spirit and cheered our teams on – many waving Canada flags and/or breaking into “Oh Canada”. The parade route lead to Piazza Signoria for the Opening Ceremonies – hot hot hot – but full of amazing energy and fellowship. Rowbust then retired to their respective accommodations to get a good night’s sleep before the first day of racing.
Saturday, July 7th
Day 1 of racing at Cascine Park
Rowbust arrived Ready Ready for a day of racing. Our first morning race was “not our best” but we learned some great lessons and coach Sarah provided some helpful feedback for us to take into our next race for the afternoon (lengthen, lengthen, lengthen). All races at the International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission (IBCPC) Participatory Festival are 500m races – a perfect distance for our venue and the picturesque Arno River. In between our first and second race we had plenty of time to trade pins and shirts with other teams and to spread the word about our 20th anniversary event in June 2019! The energy at the venue was electrifying! We were also honouring our treasured teammates Karin, Deb and Kerry in Florence – their photos and their spirits were with us on the shore and in the boat for every race.
Our hosts offered paddlers a wonderful lunch, which we enjoyed in the shade as a team. Yes – shade was a hot commodity over the weekend as it was swelteringly hot and humid. The afternoon races were a bit delayed by rain/thunderstorms that passed through the venue. Relief was only temporary as the humidity returned with a vengeance.
Race two came late in the afternoon with Rowbust in the top twenty of all teams (120+). The team focused on our length and paddled hard but we were still not happy with how the race had come together. Coach Sarah again provided constructive feedback and appreciated the impact that the weather conditions and travel were having on paddlers.
So – with a later finish than anticipated, we were sent off to our accommodations to “freshen up” for a team dinner at Ristorante Ginori, a recommendation of our Ambassador Patricia’s. Patricia was a great help to Rowbust throughout the day – our wish was her command!!
Our team dinner was spectacular and the staff at Ristorante Ginori treated our team members (and spouses) like gold. The team presented a special “thank you” of leather-bound journals to our captains, Carolyn and Maggie, and to Coach Sarah for all of the work and support they’d provided during and leading up to this Festival. Grazie Mille! Paddlers then struck off for “home” to rest up for day two!
Susan Oster
Rowbust member since 2014, current Board member and proud member of the 2018 IBCPC Italy crew.