(from our Coffs Coast group)

DA Ratatouille, comprising members from Coffs Coast, Melbourne, Dubbo & Ballarat, entered as probably one of the underdogs, as a composite team, it is difficult with having had not previously trained together. Our sheer determination paid off, achieving 3rd place in both our heats, which took us to the minor final. Our captain, Hayley from DA Melbourne, was so supportive and encouraging and led us into the final. We entered the final with the fastest time and believed we could go just one more time to make it. We hit the blocks running and all 22 of us put in everything we had. We paddled our hearts out and won, improving our previous times by 4 seconds!

'It was one of the most emotional times I have ever experienced' said Angie Walter, Coordinator of Dragons Abreast Coffs Coast. 'Out of the 18 teams competing we came 4th overall on time, only .33 seconds off 3rd place and only 4 seconds behind the overall winner. We were extremely pleased with ourselves and it confirmed the fact that composite teams really do work!'

Following our win we were honoured to be part of “flowers on the water” ceremony where 12 boats, each containing 22 breast cancer survivors, formed a floating guard of honour for our “Angels Abreast”, our sisters who have lost their battle with breast cancer. It was calm and during 1 minute’s silence a small drizzle of rain came which created small drips, like tears, on our paddles, which were held upright in recognition of our Angels. This was very moving and poignant. After the minute’s silence all 264 of us then scattered red rose petals alongside the boats. The applause from the crowd was amazing and humbling. Then all 12 boats did a lap of honour past the huge crowd and got an amazing response with applause and some spectators giving us a standing ovation. The guard of honour after we stepped out of the boats was equally amazing.

Dragons Abreast Sydney hosted a dinner on the Saturday evening with 290 people attending. It was a great night and we were fortunate enough to sit with the twins who featured on Australian Story. There was much fun and dancing, even the “Bus Stop” came out of moth balls! Thanks DA Sydney for a fantastic evening.

We all agreed it was a very moving and emotionally charged weekend and we were thrilled to meet old friends and form new friendships with paddlers from all over Australia, which is just one of the major benefits of being part of Dragons Abreast Australia.