Castel Gandolfo: 'Pink Paddles' on Lake Albano — prevention, sport and

Castel Gandolfo: prevention, sport and nature with the "Pink Paddles"

On Saturday 28 March the Saroli Club Sports Centre on the shore of Lake Albano hosted an event focused on breast cancer prevention, organized by the association Gente Libera. The day featured the Pink Paddles, women who use dragon boat paddling as part of their physical and emotional recovery while engaging with the lake environment.

The initiative combined health information sessions with outdoor practice, promoting the lake as a setting for natural rehabilitation and wellbeing.

Program and highlights

The morning mixed panel discussions and personal stories with on-water activities, and included contributions from medical specialists on clinical and preventive topics.

• Panels and talks with breast specialists and oncologists on diagnosis, treatments, nutrition and rehabilitation.
• Dragon boat demonstration and group paddling to encourage physical activity and muscle recovery.
• Prevention camper offering free breast examinations and ultrasounds by appointment.
• Health vouchers distributed to attendees for selected free checks within the validity period.

The event emphasized that care pathways are most effective when multidisciplinary and shared: from diagnosis to post-operative support, integrating sport, nutrition and outdoor experiences.

The lake as a wellbeing resource

For participating associations, Lake Albano serves as a natural training ground: paddling supports physical rehabilitation, reduces stress and strengthens social bonds. Participants’ stories highlighted the role of outdoor activities in rebuilding confidence and quality of life after surgery.

For readers looking to join similar initiatives: contact local associations and outdoor programs that combine prevention and nature-based rehabilitation to find opportunities near you.