Dragon boat racing and tales of cancer survival

Dragon boat racing, as a ‘rehabilitative-support’ activity for women with breast cancer, is promoted by Dragons Abreast – a not-for-profit founded in Darwin in 1998. There are 33 member groups across Australia and numbers are growing.

The newly launched – ‘A Dragon’s Tale’ tells Australian womens’ stories of courage, strength and friendship.

“In dragon boat racing, these women have found a tangible and fun activity that develops fitness, promotes health, builds team spirit, provides purpose, calmness, and makes the paddler at one with the environment. Each stroke in their dragon boat demonstrates that they can live full, active, satisfying lives. The phrase ‘all in the same boat’ has never taken on
such powerful meaning – dragon boat racing reminds the paddler that they’re not alone on their journey.”

The public launch is in Darwin 1 September, Lake Alexandra, 4-5pm

The official launch of ‘A Dragon’s Tale’ took place in Darwin at Government House on 27 August, 2007. Dragons Abreast is now ‘on the road’ to spread the ‘tale’ Australia-wide. Public launches will take place throughout September and October, at major sponsor Hog’s Breath Café locations in QLD, WA, SA, VIC, TAS, ACT and NSW. Full details at www.dragonsabreast.com.au.

A message of hope

The Dragon’s Tale’s message of hope aims to provide a beacon for other sufferers, survivors and newly diagnosed women. The sale of A Dragon’s Tale (RRP AU$35.00) books will raise funds to aid Dragons Abreast to continue its inspiring work.

There will be an international dragon boat regatta to be held in Caloundra, 28 – 30 September, when 2000 breast cancer survivors from around the world will gather on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

For more info contact Darwin-based National Co-ordinator, Michelle Hanton on 0418 898 082 or visit the www.dragonsabreast.com.au.