Advertisement

Slaying the dragon boat: Calgary senior’s last wish to get on the water fulfilled

Click to play video: 'Paddlers fulfill Calgary senior’s final wish of getting back in a dragon boat'
Paddlers fulfill Calgary senior’s final wish of getting back in a dragon boat
WATCH: It was something on her bucket list -- a local senior longed for one last time on the water. So her daughter and the Calgary Dragon Boat Society collaborated to make that wish come true. Jill Croteau reports. – Sep 16, 2022

Doreen Schneider (Bostock) is just a few months away from her 94th birthday.

The Calgary senior loves watching dragon boats gliding along the Glenmore Reservoir and reminiscing with her daughter about the years she spent paddling in the Okanagan Lake decades ago.

Doreen Schneider (Bostock). Mike Hills/Global News

“Mom and I have been watching from the ridge and every time she saw them she got so emotional and all the memories came back for her,” daughter Diane Jones said.

Story continues below advertisement
Diane Jones, Doreen’s Daughter. Mike Hills/Global News
Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

She wanted to do everything possible to make her mom’s wish come true and to help her re-ignite her passion, so she contacted the Calgary Dragon Boat Society for help.

The team didn’t hesitate.

“It’s over the top, she would never imagine this could happen that she would ever get back in a dragon boat,” Jones said.

Doreen and the Waverunners. Courtesy: Calgary Dragon Boat Society

Layton Sergeant is with the Calgary Dragon Boat Society and a coach on the team, Waverunners. He was thrilled to surprise the senior and get her out on a boat one more time.

Story continues below advertisement
Layton Sergeant, Calgary Dragon Boat Society member. Mike Hills/Global News

“You can come out, no matter how old you are and whatever skill level, enjoy the sport and friendship and love of being out in the water,” Sergeant said.

Mike Hills/Global News

Doreen in the boat, beside her daughter.

Story continues below advertisement

Schneider was out on the water for almost an hour, feeling exhilarated and reflecting back on her times during competition. The team invited her to be an honorary lifetime member.

“This is just so amazing. What a thrill!” Schneider said.

Sponsored content

AdChoices