ORIGINATING in ancient China, dragon boating has become the fastest growing water sport in Australia.
Regattas are held worldwide at local, regional, and international levels with men’s, women’s and mixed teams.
Dragon boat paddling has also become a popular form of exercise and support for breast cancer survivors, offering fun, fitness, camaraderie and mental wellbeing.
CanSurvive is a group of breast cancer survivors and supporters who belong to Camden Haven Dragon Boat Club.
“Supporters are those closely related to someone who has, or had cancer,” CanSurvive Coordinator Wendy Edgington said.
“We get together socially and also fundraise to donate to various cancer charities as well as to locals undergoing treatment for any type of cancer.”
Some of the ways CanSurvive has given back to the community include:
– Cash donations and vouchers for special events, as well as things like groceries, fuel, school fees etc.
– Provided equipment for PalCare at Wauchope Hospital.
– Donated to charities such as Cancer Council, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Daffodil Day and Hastings Little Wishes.
– Sponsored participants in ‘Shave for a Cure’ and ‘Three Walks for Brain Cancer’.
Recently the group raised funds to send a young man named Bronson to the snow.
“After many months of intense treatment for childhood cancer, his one wish was to build a snowman, so the money went towards helping his wish come true,” Wendy said.
Strongly supported by the Dragon Boat Club, every third Sunday of the month is a “Pink Paddle”, when everyone wears pink.
All fees for the day are donated to CanSurvive.
If you are interested in dragon boating, Sundays are “come and try days” at the local club.
“Come along if you’d like to join us for an hour of fun in a beautiful environment,” Wendy said.
On Sunday, 7 September (Fathers Day), the group will be running the barbeque for the Laurieton Vintage Car Club’s “Show and Shine”.
“If you’d like to speak to someone about dragon boating just ask the friendly CanSurvivors serving the sausages, then check out our boats in the cage nearby,” Wendy said.
If you know of someone CanSurvive could help, or if you’d like to join the club for a paddle, you can find all the contact information on the Camden Haven Dragon Boat Club website.
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