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Media Release/Photo opportunity
27/08/2003 
Paddles for Dragon Boat Breast Cancer Survivors
A Victorian dragon boat
racing team of breast cancer survivors have been sent a set of 20 paddles
donated by Dragon Boats Australia (Inc.) funded by a plastics manufacturing
company, Chun Yip Plastics Ltd (CYPL) of Quandong Province, Southern China
with a Head office in Hong Kong. The paddles were manufactured by Ocky
Oars in Bundaberg, Queensland in accordance with the International Dragon
Boat Federation specifications.
The team known as "Dragons
Abreast" paddle in the Melbourne International Dragon Boat held every
March on the Yarra. The women who are of various ages, backgrounds, and
athletic abilities, have been united by their common experience of facing
a life-threatening condition. Their aim is to prove that life and adventure
is possible after breast cancer.
When delivering the paddles, Ray Woodcock,
Chairman of Dragon Boats Australia (Inc.) said, "I hope they serve your
organisation well." He had heard about the team's need for the paddles
when several members of the Victorian team travelled to Adelaide in April
to compete in the Australian Dragon Boat Championships in Adelaide. The
Victorians had to borrow their IDBF specified paddles to compete in the
race and paddled with the bronze medal winning Dragons Abreast Australia
team of women from all over Australia.
Equipped with the paddles and bright pink
rashies some of the team are preparing to head to Canberra in November
to compete in the 9th Australian Masters Games against some
of the best teams in the country. For the women competing, simply participating
is the biggest achievement they could ask for following a diagnosis of
breast cancer. Apart from the physical challenge, the team gain strength
and confidence from each other and feel they can encourage others to celebrate
life.
"We want to inspire and give hope to others
facing a breast cancer diagnosis" says Team Co-ordinator, Pru Menzies.
"Many women when diagnosed with breast cancer
think their lives are over. Others believe that they are cannot use their
arms because of surgery to remove lymph nodes from their armpit. Getting
in the boat is a big step and it is great to see their confidence and
physical strength soar when they discover they can actually do it." she
said.
The Breast Cancer Network Australia's National
Coordinator, Lyn Swinburne, says that Dragons Abreast send a very important
message to the community.
"10,000 women are diagnosed
with breast cancer every year in Australia. The women in Dragons Abreast
show us that despite a diagnosis of breast cancer, people can still lead
full and active lives. They also show us that behind the statistics are
real people, with hopes, dreams and aspirations" she said.
The team has been warmly
welcomed by The Victorian Dragon Boat Association who is proud to have
this group of positive, energetic and heroic women preparing again for
the 2004 festival.
Dragons Abreast teams now paddle and compete
in most states and territories around Australia. More information on
Dragons Abreast Australia can be obtained on the website www.dragonsabreast.com.au
Media inquiries and photo opportunities: Contact
Pru Menzies on 0409 853 748.
This page last updated
June 11, 2004
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