"To offer hope and inspiration to those faced with a diagnosis of
breast cancer, and promote the fact that there is 'quality of life'
after breast cancer!"
Dragons Abreast is a dragon boat team, comprising breast cancer survivors and their supporters. High on our list of priorities, is having fun; trying new things; meeting interesting people; and being involved in a challenging, physical activity, whilst promoting breast cancer awareness.
Dragons Abreast provides a "face" for the breast cancer statistics, whilst spreading the message of breast cancer awareness, through participation in the wonderful and strenuous sport of dragon boat racing.
If you want to:
- get fit
- make new friends
- have fun
then Dragon Boating is the sport for YOU!
We invite all breast cancer survivors and supporters, to come and experience the magic that is part of our unique team - not necessarily as a paddler… there are many tasks that we welcome assistance with!
Make an Online Donation
If you would like to make a donation to Dragons Abreast, please click here and fill in and submit the Donation Form You will then be taken to a secure area of Westpac Bank, where you can safely enter your credit card details and complete your donation.
All gifts of $2.00 and more are tax deductable. A receipt for taxation purposes will be posted to you.
Contact Details:
Coordinator
Email: Jan Skorich
Telephone: 6241 8061
Mobile: 0409 038 301
What is Dragon Boat Racing?
Dragon boat racing is an aquatic sport in which a 12 meter long canoe-like boat, wide enough to sit 20 people (2 abreast) along with a sweep to steer the boat and a drummer, is paddled over a course of approximately 500 meters in length. During races, a dragon boat will feature the head and tail of a dragon, a mythological creature regarded by the Chinese as having dominion over the waters, and exercising control over rainfall (so maybe we can ask our dragons to share some rain with us right over this wide brown land?)
Background of Dragons Abreast
The Breast Cancer Network Australia was launched with the Field of Women in Canberra in 1998, following the first National Breast Cancer Conference for Women. Sharon Batt, a Canadian author, and one of the keynote speakers, spoke of the Canadian breast cancer survivor paddlers in her country. Michelle Hanton, from the Northern Territory, was inspired, and with fellow Territorians, launched what would go on to become the first Australian Dragons Abreast team in Darwin, in late 1998.
Canberra followed in the spring of 1999, and now there are member groups and teams in every State and Territory of Australia.
Dragons Abreast members have competed at International, National, State and local regattas, and continue to be very effective in raising awareness of breast cancer.
The Australian Dragon Boat Federation, has recognised Dragons Abreast, as a unique movement, and at the 2001 Australian National Titles, included for the first time, a special Breast Cancer Survivor Division, complete with a perpetual trophy. The Survivor Movement is also recognised by the International Dragon Boat Federation, and there are approximately 100 + survivor teams across the globe.
Our Objective
The purpose of Dragons Abreast is promote breast cancer awareness and education, whilst having fun, and demonstrating that people can fully participate in life, despite physical limitations as a result of treatment for breast cancer.
Competition outcome does not matter. We are ‘winners’ by simply being present as part of the team.
Our Aims
- To help people with a diagnosis of breast cancer understand that they can still lead full and active lives, despite physical limitations imposed by breast cancer;
- To encourage people to "achieve their dream" of regaining an active, adventurous lifestyle, despite a diagnosis of breast cancer;
- To give a "face" to the breast cancer statistics;
- To promote wellness, fitness, fun and camaraderie for breast cancer survivors, not only amongst Australians, but also internationally, through our links with other breast cancer dragon boat teams;
- To raise awareness of breast cancer, whilst supporting the search for a cure.
Criteria for Membership
Anyone who has faced a diagnosis of breast cancer, is eligible for membership.
Age is no barrier, nor is fitness level. However, to be an active paddling member, a reasonable level of general fitness is required, although paddling experience is not necessary.
There is room for everyone, not necessarily as paddling members, to be a part of Dragons Abreast Australia.
Supporters (ie people who have not had breast cancer) are welcome to train with the team. However, in the competition situation, priority placement will be given to breast cancer survivors - regardless of who has done more training, or is stronger.
