Kalispell Regional Healthcare System will be the title sponsor for this year’s Montana Dragon Boat Festival Sept. 10-11 in Lakeside.

Dragon-boat racing has long been championed by the medical community for its mind-body benefits, and Kalispell Regional is committed to promoting a healthy community and active lifestyle, according to Tagen Vine, president of Kalispell Regional Healthcare Foundation.

Kalispell Regional Healthcare System is a locally controlled nonprofit organization made up of numerous health and wellness affiliates, including The HealthCenter, Kalispell Regional Medical Center and North Valley Hospital.

Several of its staffers and patients have been part of the Montana Dragon Boat Festival since the first festival in the Flathead Valley in 2012.

Diane Medler, director of the Kalispell Convention and Visitor Bureau, said Kalispell Regional’s commitment to being the title sponsor builds on the past support from the health-care community.

“The wonderful thing that we all recognize is the special inclusive nature of dragon boating,” Medler said. “Success in this sport is much more about teamwork than individual strength, and that’s why so many people at varying levels can participate — whether you’re recovering from an illness and getting back in shape or already a fit athlete.”

Dragon boating across North America has a unique following among breast cancer survivors for its special team-building qualities. Teams of breast-cancer survivors from across the United States and Canada have attended the Montana Dragon Boat Festival each year.

Since the festivals began, Save a Sister has been intimately tied to the Montana Dragon Boat Festival and is an integral part of the festival’s annual Breast Cancer Ceremony, honoring breast cancer survivors and those who have passed.

“The festival provides a unique platform for Save a Sister to share its message of hope and support with local breast-cancer survivors and as part of a global community,” said Vera Smith, a volunteer and board member with the organization. “Paddling with women who have been through the same experience as you is like a sisterhood. I’m a 20-year breast cancer survivor and the camaraderie of a dragon-boat team still provides healing.”

Save a Sister is recruiting breast-cancer survivors from across Western Montana for the Save a Sister dragon-boat team. There is no previous experience necessary, said Smith, the designated team recruiter. Women at every stage of recovery are welcome.

“You don’t need to be strong and buff,” Smith said. “I’m 75 and have paddled with people of all ages.” Breast-cancer survivors or supporters are welcome to call Smith at 406-471-9157 for more information about the team.

Dr. Pam Roberts, the program physician for Journey to Wellness, recognizes the health benefits for people recovering from all kinds of health challenges.

“The reason I [participate in] dragon boat and encourage others to do so is because it is so inspiring,” Roberts said. “If you’re recovering from an illness or just want to try the sport, the beauty and connection you get from being part of the team will be a great inspiration.”

The Cancer Support Community — another community-based program of Kalispell Regional Healthcare System that opened its home earlier this year as a place where people experiencing cancer can find emotional and practical support — is recruiting survivors of all other cancers as well as family members, friends and caregivers for a dragon-boat team.

Anyone interested in joining the Cancer Support Community team may call 406-752-0130.

The local dragon boat team Flathead Dragonflies and its coaches invite everyone to try dragon boating prior to the September festival. Contact certified dragon-boat coach Alida Tinch at flatheaddragonflies@gmail.com or call 406-579-6654 to arrange a dragon-boat training session. Individuals or groups are welcome and the first two sessions are free.