Testimonials

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tel: 1300 889 566
or office@dragonsabreast.com.au

.... on Chinese New Year 2008.......

We are all so elated and emotionally overwhelmed. I thought Caloundra couldn’t be beaten. Sydney was equally as powerful. I feel like I’ve climbed two of the highest peaks in the world; and I know there are more to come. What a day we had. We feel like elite sportswomen. The flowers ceremony was amazing, the applause from the crowd after the silence was just wonderful. Toni Borrett – Dragons Abreast Melbourne

....on Abreast in Australia 2007.....

My husband and I arrived in Australia hoping to enjoy the event and meet some wonderful people. We did both, and more. It was much more than we had imagined it would be. Thank you to all who were involved in organising this amazing time. We can't wait to come back and visit. (Anonymous)

A huge hug and thank you to the organizing committee and I'm sure, volunteers, supporters who helped make this AIA Regatta very successful. We were able to spread a lot of awareness as was evident by the street parade and the festival itself. The memories will make us feel fuzzy and warm on cold winter nights in Canada. With seeing and renewing old friendships and making new lasting ones, I can lovingly say "I had the time of my life". Thanks AIB for making this possible. (Millie)

CONGRATULATIONS! BRAVO! I really can’t express my gratitude enough to the “TEAM” for the organizing of the most incredible event AIA. I know you have all spent many long hard hours working over the last two years with many ups and downs but honestly I can’t express enough accolades from the Port Lincoln and Warriors girls. I feel so privileged to have been a part of this most memorable event and it was wonderful to renew many old friendships, which I will always treasure. (Maxine)

My admiration is unreserved. The contribution Dragons Abreast makes in supporting those who encounter breast cancer - and their families is so important. Seeing such courageous women out there in action, living such a positive and full life despite their encounter with this horrible disease can't help but inspire. What's next? (Merilyn)

Thank you to all who were involved in making this event a lifetime experience never to be forgotten . Many new friends were made and will be friends for life..It has been a month and I am still on a high and I never want to come down again...A great place to be..... (Anonymous)

Congratulations to the OC. As a survivor paddler I was so impressed by the whole event. Not as hardy as some though I found the distances from designated tent to marshalling area, food outlets etc very hard. After 5x500m races over the weekend and lifting my grandchildren above the crowd to witness the "flowers"I found my way to the massage tent on Sunday -Wonderful. In the eyes of my son in law (triathlete) I am no longer the knitting nanna and the subject of show and tell at my grandchildren's school. Thank you for this opportunity. (Liz, Dragons Abreast Mackay)

As a resident of Kings Beach, Caloundra and a spectator at the events at Caloundra and Lake Kawana, I very much enjoyed the events and i hope all visitors that travelled to this spectacular event went away with some great memories...not only of the events and friendships, but also of our beautiful city of Caloundra. (Josie, Caloundra)

On behalf of all of the Rainbow Dragons Abreast crew who attended Abreast In Australia I wish to extend a huge thank you to the organising committee and all others who worked so long and so hard to make this such an incredible, wonderful, fantastic, momentous event! It is a week-end we will never forget! Thank you! (Laura)

Congratulations on a truly wonderful celebration of life. You and your committee left nothing unplanned in order to make last weekend the best possible. I loved everything - the opening and closing ceremonies, the parade, the little gifts, the food, the loos, the tents, the buses, the water bottles, the sunscreens, the St Johns, the boat holders and probably lots more that I didn't notice. But, most of all, I loved the camaraderie and the sprit in which the celebration was held. So, thank you for your tireless efforts and inspiration. (Di)

Thanks for the “time of my life! Thanks to all of the organizing committee. You guys did a great job. I didn’t get time to read the program until I got back home and even that was fun. I knew the regatta would be good because you were involved, but it was fantastic! Thanks so much for getting me involved in Dragons Abreast! I had some ups and downs emotionally during the regatta, but the whole event was so much fun and left me on a real high. When and where’s the next one? (Patsy)

I would like to thank Judy for coordinating the ‘Hong Kong paddlers’ participation as part of the ACT team, and also the Super Ladies in the Organizing Committee. I look forward to meeting you girls again in the future. I hope we can paddle together on Stanley, one of our popular beaches in Hong Kong. ( Mingi )

Paddling, laughter, fun and friendships in the sun.... what a way to have a holiday, thanks Caloundra. Wish I was there now. (Lyn)

Hi all you incredible people at Dragons Abreast Australia. Thank you so much for a week we will never forget – it was incredible, wonderful, uplifting and downright fun. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Take a moment to look at our photo collection. It’s bound to grow even larger when we get organized back in Vancouver. http://www.abreastinaboat.com/HTML/OzDiary.htm Much affection, John and Chris Whalen

One of the things I found most warm and fuzzy about the regatta was the way we warmed up to each other's chants and sang each other's songs while we were all waiting to race. (Marion)

Thanks to you and the Organising Committee. What a fantastic job. You should all be so proud of your efforts in bringing together the AIA event and showcasing Australia in such a wonderful way. The event will live the hearts and minds of many long into the future. (Janelle)

Just a short note to congratulate you on the wonderful job of pulling together such a fabulous Celebration. We all had THE best time & I was disappointed when it was all over. I was so proud to be paddling for the NT with a great bunch of women. My daughter was so impressed with everything & she now wants to join one of the Brisbane teams as a supporter. Thank you for all the hard work you put in to make the 2007 Abreast in Australia a time none of us will forget. (Colleen)

What an absolutely fantastic Carnival of Care. I can find no adequate superlatives to describe the fullness of any of the emotions,inspiration,admiration,empathy,beauty and a host of other feelings generated by the Regatta and street march. Am in awe at its vast organization and success. Mega congratulations to you and to all involved. (Anonymous)

Just wanted to thank you and the rest of the committee so much for your vision and your ability to put on such a fantastic regatta at Caloundra! I can only begin to imagine how much work it must have been, but you must be delighted to have done it. I still am on a huge high. Just loved the camaraderie, paddling, colour and music. It was an absolutely fabulous experience for me, in fact one of the best things I’ve ever done. Thank you all so much. (Marion)

Flowers on the Water was one of the most moving ceremonies I have ever had the privilege to be part of. Can't wait for the video. (Anonymous)

What a week!! Bring on the Ord! On a serious note...... I thought I was going to die at the end of the first race, but by the end of the second day I felt like I could climb Mt Everest (well, maybe Mt Bundy!) A fabulous week that gave me motivation, strength and the desire to continue paddling with a great bunch of women. (Joan)


It would be nice to be able to see the race schedule, all the race times, and who the winners were posted for all the 'back home' fans. I know that other festivals do this. Since we've had the pleasure of enjoying the pictures and videos, this would be nice to see also! Thanks you for sharing a wonderful event with us! (Anonymous)

Congratulations to the organising committee - what an experience!! The memories will last forever and the same goes for the friendships forged. Can't wait for the next International Regatta - where and when??
(Anne, Twin Titties Townsville Australia )

I just wanted to thank you personally for such a wonderful experience.  Your whole team, including your hard working volunteers, did an amazing job and everything went so smoothly - or at least appeared to, which is what counts.  The venue was beautiful - every one of our supporters commented that it was so nice to be so close to the racing.  You even managed the weather perfectly.  Not too hot and not too cold.  Anyway, kudos - Glen and I had a great time.  We also enjoyed Noosa, Mooloolaba, Cairns, Sydney, Auckland, Rotorua and Fiji.  All and all an incredible experience. (Leanne, Canada)

I reckon Abreast in Australia must have added considerably to Queensland's tourism profit, as well as raising the profile of Dragons Abreast. During my trip up the coast, as well seeing several team members, I spotted a number of AiA shirts, AiA registration bags and DA bucket hats. In general chats with locals, people had "heard about it" or seen the coverage on TV news. (Anonymous)

Hello to all the Cowichan Valley Dragon Divas!! Your Diva 'Sisters' here along with everyone else are thinking of you every second and send our love. We beam with pride and our smiles are wide! :) Sounds like an amazing time there! Love all the pics and YouTube videos! :) Also, thank for you making my day complete today with the birthday wishes. As you can guess, yes...you brought tears to my eyes. The cheering continues, loud and clear, just close your eyes and you'll hear and feel it in your head and heart. Love you all! ( Debbie )

YES!  I got the DVD!  It arrived on 10 Dec.  Great!  It is very well done and covers everything, including myself!  My thanks to the Green Room people for producing such a memorable DVD. Watching the whole event on DVD just brings tears to my eyes.  Truly, it's so emotional or am I emotional?  You all did such a fantastic job, wonderful hosts, lovely volunteers, great entertainment, plenty of food, great weather, great people, wonderful memories!  Wow, what more do we want. Thank you so much! (Alice)

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This page last updated: April 7, 2008