| Donations to Dragons Abreast Australia are tax deductible >> for details of your nearest group phone 1300 889 566 |
 |
|
||||
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 newsletters |
Newsletter May 2002 SPECIAL EDITION "Post Nationals" [if you would like to receive this newsletter in its original Word format, please contact Michelle Hanton, Tel: 08 89418923 Fax: 08 89410821 Mobile: 0418 898082 hanton@ozemail.com.au ] Welcome to a very special newsletter! Janelle Gamble and Qld Dragons Abreast – aided by the very generous Brisbane Rover Dragons did a spectacular job of organising a magnificent event – the week of the Australian National Titles! I know this was no easy task but your efforts were very much appreciated by all Pink Ladies! Kylie Bade, from QDBF and Jon Taylor from AusDBF also deserve our very special thanks for their support as does our very good friend, that “Funky Chick ”Linda Dowdall from DBNSW! The camaraderie, the love, the support & the respect, shown by the Pink Ladies for each other, our supporters, the sporting crews and public is something to be experienced – this feeling cannot be adequately described with words and I am humbled to be a part of such a powerful movement. The Dragons Abreast Challenge was, undoubtedly, the highlight of the week with four boats vying for the trophy. What a spectacular sight we made & how far we have come since our first National Titles at Penrith. Congratulations to SA Dragons Abreast for taking out the trophy & well done to everyone else who paddled so hard! I am frequently credited with having ‘created’ Dragons Abreast– but I must emphasis that it is YOU, the paddlers who make Dragons Abreast special and I thank each and every one of you for helping to make the vision become a reality! My very special thanks go to Anna Wellings Booth, Janelle Gamble, Susan Tulley & Penny LaSette for jumping on board at the very beginning and taking up my ‘mad’ idea! Also to Lyn Swinburne and the Breast Cancer Network Australia for embracing and supporting us in our infancy and now taking us on board as an official project! Dragons Abreast exists today because we are all working together to “Keep the Spirit Alive”! Michelle Hanton, National Coordinator Living Life to the Full! What a spectacular sight! Bright pink as far as the eye can see, accompanied by smiles as big as the Sahara. I was honoured to able to see the most fantastic group of women do what they do best. Live life to the full! It is no wonder that the other more ‘serious’ Dragonboat competitors are so awestruck by this remarkable group of women. I know I was. Several Dragons Abreast teams from around the country met at Hinze Dam Qld in April 2002 to compete against other ladies in the 500m and 250m races. The racing was such a sight. A blaze of bright pink signalled that the Dragons Abreast ladies were out on the water, so you’d better get up and cheer. I have never before seen such a response for the teams that fill the minor places. The announcer was so enthusiastic about the racing, but the real surprise was the applause and sincere congratulations from spectators and fellow competitors alike. It was just so overwhelming. The ladies went there to have fun. I know I did. We all certainly achieved that. There were some very tired but satisfied bodies by the end of the regatta. So many ladies together supported each other, helping each other find that extra ounce of energy. You dig that little bit deeper and find some part of you that was long forgotten. The laughter and joy was so infectious, who cares what you have to do to get there. At next year’s Nationals in Adelaide, you must experience this for yourself. This regatta was not just about Dragonboat racing. It was a celebration of life. In many cases it is the celebration of the changes in each person that have occurred from the initial diagnosis of Breast Cancer. Dragonboat racing gives those Breast Cancer patients and survivors an outlet for their energy, where they are taken as they come. There is understanding that comes from the common bond of living with Breast Cancer. There are no outrageous expectations of your abilities. There is acceptance and genuine happiness that you are able to join in with the team. Flowers on the Water Ceremony – Hinze Dam, Qld 2002 L to R – in the dingy Gayle Creed & Madeleine Luck, Dragons Abreast ACT/NT, NSW, QLD, SA. I took so many photos and video that weekend. I thought I had taken too much, but looking back, I wish I had more vision to remind me and to show others. I was feeling somewhat down before I went. I had been feeling a little tired, but at much urging from Yvonne Dolman and transport supplied by June Stephens, I was able to see this racing albeit from a spectator’s perspective. I felt like I was in the boat with the ladies so much of the time. They would come back up the hill after racing and still joke around and show everyone that life can be enjoyed to the max. Yvonne Dolman, & Janelle Gamble, Qld Coordinator. - Photo by Gayle Creed I came away feeling like I had been given a new lease on life. I have made some minor changes and I now fill my life with so much more than I did before. I thought I had been living life to the full until I met these ladies. On the last day of racing, all the Dragons Abreast boats raced against each other in a special survivor’s race. Even though I wasn’t able to paddle in one of the Dragon boats, arrangements were made for myself and some other ladies with BC to experience the racing on the water. There were small motorboats that accompanied the Dragonboats in case of any mishaps. We were driven out onto the water and travelled alongside the ladies as they raced each other in the Survivors Race for the Dragons Abreast boats only. It’s not until you’re up close that you realise how much effort it takes to race one of these boats. At the completion of the race, flowers were scattered over the water in a special Flower Ceremony, to remember all those who had succumbed to this disease. There wasn’t a dry eye anywhere. All these great sportsmen and women on the hill overlooking the lake, were brought to tears by a group of women dressed in the brightest of pinks spreading pink and blue flowers over the water. The message about Breast Cancer touched everyone in a deeply profound way. A competitor from one of the Gold Coast teams was so moved by the event, that he wanted to give me something to remember my day and to help me in my fight. He gave me the first gold medal he had won. It was such an honour to receive such a treasure from a complete stranger. As we all made our way up the hill after the ceremony, a guard of honour was formed and ALL the ladies were congratulated by the rest of the competitors. This was such an emotional experience. We all then joined the lines and congratulated those who followed us up the hill. It was a truly awe inspiring sight. There had been guards of honour over the weekend before, but this one was particularly wonderful. Many photos were taken and many tears were shed. Many new bonds have been forged and many memories experienced that will stay with us forever. Gayle Creed Bakers Delight Booval Fair Franchisee and Breast Cancer patient ACT & Region Some ‘thank you’s’ and congratulations are definitely a high priority from the ACT.
This was the second national competition that I have participated in and when I think back to the first at Penrith when we were struggling to make up one entry, the Gold Coast was truly amazing. One thing that I remember well from Penrith was the courage of Joyce who was our drummer and who has since died, and the spirit of the team who came from all parts of Australia and some who had never paddled before. I truly believe that it is the caring for one another and the acknowledgement of those around us that is far, far more important than the competition. The most poignant moment at the Gold Coast for me was when Gayle from Brisbane was taken out in a support vessel with Madeleine Luck one of our wonderful sponsors, to join with us in our special ceremony. Her smile and the love that surrounded her when she walked back through the tunnel of support was to me what Dragons Abreast is all about. ACT were very sad that our beloved Sylvia was not able to join us, but we are all working towards having a full crew to participate in Auckland next year. Congrats to us and all of you for a wonderful week in “Keeping the Spirit Alive” Anna, Katherine, June, Elspeth, Marion, Lenyss (ACT) A paddling we did go On the Gold Coast Yo Ho Ho What great fun we all did have We dined out just a tad Now Dragons Abreast are right out there The hot pink rashies we did wearWe really made quite a show With the flowers we did throw To remember those we’ve lostThe Big C has a high costSo our statement is for everyoneDragon Boating is great fun. Our hosts were just the best They barely had time to rest For that we’re truly glad Leaving them was very sad. We all went to have some fun We listened for the starters gun The Pink Ladies sang their song Then the challenge was truly on We paddled to the max Our bodies we did tax We were there for all to see We can still have quality We’re survivors of our race But for others just in case We spread our cheer Coz we’re glad we’re here We celebrate our lives full onFor the battle we have wonSo let’s keep the spirit alive Dragon Boating is good exercise! Judy Smith, Dragons Abreast NT, 2002 How did I come to be asked to comment about the Dragonboat National Titles – therein lies a story! It all began two years ago, when over a couple of glasses of a wee drop of red, I was inveigled by Michelle and Susan Tulley into going to Darwin to cheer on the Dragons Abreast team at the National titles. I quickly found that Michelle knows no shame when it comes to recruitment and by the time I arrived up North I found I had been assigned the role of Drummer – which in my innocence I accepted. I won’t go into the gory details of my initiation – suffice to say that the sight I presented sitting perched up on that high perch, terrified that I was going to become crocodile fodder, provided the rest of the team with much amusement – as Janelle will confirm! Fear is a great motivator and so, even though under normal circumstances I am the least likely sporting hero, I quickly took a quick lesson in paddling. It felt safer sitting in the boat with the rest of the team rather than perched up top, even if that was only an illusion. So that’s the story of how a post-menopausal buxom broad like me came to be a participant in the recent National Titles! It was a great experience and I felt a great glow of pride that I was out there, paddling my little heart out, in the 500 metres no less. (Thanks Elspeth for being desperate enough to give me the opportunity.) The National titles were a success – a great venue, well-organised – thank you to Queensland Dragons Abreast team and all race organisers – perfect weather and great fun. The accommodation was terrific and the roommates even more so, even though there were some funny happenings. (Those Central Coast characters are a wild lot!) There was plenty of time for a spot of R&R and the SeaWorld excursion was great, especially the Dinner put on by the Network and other sponsors. Linda was there to advise, motivate and guide us in her usual inimitable fashion and the other competitors cheered us on enthusiastically. Love those haloes & the cute guy on the back! Pam Bell is 2nd seat from the back! Most important was the camaraderie that existed among the Dragons Abreast team members. This is an essential element for all but especially so for breast cancer survivors such as us. There are many elements that contribute to a successful recovery but fun, laughter and friendship are a hard to beat combination. A big, big ‘Thank You’ to Michelle for her enthusiasm and dedication to the Dragons Abreast Project, thanks to Lynn and the rest of the BCNA team for their support; heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors and congratulations to the winners and all of us. Pam Bell, NSW Team How Breast Cancer Took Me Swimming with the Dolphins! Firstly, I would like to say a big "Thank you" to Janelle
and the other Brisbane Pink Ladies for their warm welcome and their friendship
and help during our stay in Queensland. On the morning we arrived we were taken straight down to the Brisbane River to join the Brisbane Pink Ladies who have a regular practice session at 7 am on Saturdays. It was just beautiful, with the sun shining on the Brisbane buildings, and the early morning mist rising from the water, but oh, what a shock to the system when I put my hand in the water to paddle - it was icy cold! On the Sunday morning we again joined the Brisbane ladies, this time for a promotional paddle by the Pink Ladies on the river at South Bank. Again it was lovely, our paddling punctuated by the rocking motion we got from crossing the bow waves of the City Cats and other boats travelling on the river. After our paddle we were treated to a delicious buffet breakfast by the Southbank Corporation - after our early morning paddle we did the breakfast justice! On the next day, Monday, we travelled to the Gold Coast. We took a picturesque inland route via Mount Tamborine, had lunch at one of the wineries and went for a lovely walk through a sub-tropical rain forest to the Curtis Falls. We visited art galleries and craft shops before driving back down to the coast at Broadbeach. Tuesday was a rest day and, for me, it was the most exiting day of all. Our lovely hosts had arranged for all the visiting Dragons Abreast ladies to spend a relaxing fun day together to get to know one another, at Sea World. They also raffled off two tickets to "Swim with the Dolphins” and I was one of the lucky winners. I felt a bit dubious at first, thinking the water would be freezing, but as I got into the water with my little group of five, I didn't even notice the water temperature. We swam in one of the big pools with "Salty" a young lady dolphin who had been born at Sea World. She seemed to like "swimming with people". Her mouth formed a huge smile and her eyes were smiling too. It was impossible not to smile and laugh back when she looked so happy.
Salty swam by us several times and allowed us to stroke her. Each member of our group had a couple of "photo shots" with Salty. She seemed to stand up opposite us and allowed up to stroke her chin or "shake flippers" with her. We were in the water for half-an-hour and it was a wonderful experience that I won't forget. The next few days we practiced paddled and of course, had the races themselves
- that is what we had come down for. Our congratulations go to the
South Australian Dragons Abreast who took home the trophy.
Philippa Pike. Darwin.
Qld “Bunnies” in Warm up mode! My first National Titles! We had flown all night to arrive at Brisbane, tired but excited at being together and at the prospect of the Nationals. The beautiful and very efficient Janelle, who looked as fresh as a daisy at that time of the morning, met us at the airport at 5.30am with her wonderful husband, Blair. After being bundled into the bus, we were taken to Janelle’s motel, and asked to ignore the obvious comforts beckoning us. Obediently we changed into our paddling gear and got back in the bus to meet some of the Brisbane paddlers. I will never forget the early morning light, the light breeze, the warmth of the greeting from our fellow paddlers, the feeling of wellbeing which emanated from both boats and, of course, the swell caused by the City Cats plying their trade back and forth. No wonder the Queenslanders have a strong and happy following. I think I would be delighted to be down on the river every morning. While this paddle was a most memorable moment this was only the start of the generosity of hospitality that we experienced from the host Dragons Abreast Team. We were wined and dined and shown the sights of Brisbane until we could have been forgiven for forgetting our true purpose of travel. All in the NT team will be forever grateful for the efforts made on our behalf by these very overworked and amazing people and when visiting Brisbane in the future, only good thoughts of our past visit will pervade our emotions. What a great idea it was to house all the Pink Ladies in the same accommodation on the Gold Coast. Welcome arms and spontaneous greetings were everywhere with little reservation as to who you were and your past life as long as you were in Pink. All were equal, all were unique. A wondrous experience. From the very first moment eyes darted at every person wearing pink on the chance that it might be another magic lady to meet, to have dinner with or just to enjoy the company of. The tent for the Pink Ladies was typical of the atmosphere within Dragons Abreast. Bags, bottles, paddles and shoes all dumped higgledy-piggledy regardless of origins or alliances. Women talking openly with each other as though the sisterhood of survival had amalgamated their souls. Women leaping from boat to boat to help each other out and most marvellous of all, were the elite paddlers from all states and territories who were willing to fill a gap in a Pink Lady boat to help out. For me, as for many, a highlight was the Flowers on the Water Ceremony. The open arms of the other boats reaching to draw us all into a group tightly bound by ill health, fear, grief and hope quickly dispelled any sense of achievement or disappointment in the preceding race. The blue flower thrown into the water by Otto was a special touch, one that did more for the awareness of the incidence of male breast cancer than any other gesture during that week. Meeting Otto was also a privilege and his bravery in matching his illness is equally matched by his bravery in becoming a Dragons Abreast paddler and proudly wearing pink (and bunny ears.) Now don’t get me wrong. The camaraderie of the meet for the Pink Ladies was strong but do not think that there was no rivalry for the Cup. This was fierce with many tactics, overt and subversive, being taken to promote a boat or handicap another. We were not fooled by the cuteness of the bunny ears even if they did happen to beat the composite boat of the ‘Territories’ by a rabbit’s whisker in the Challenge. Those bunny ears cannot take away the pride felt by the composite ‘Territories’ boat that, despite never having paddled together before and having to compromise on many issues, clocked the fastest Pink Lady time over one of the 500 metre races. No-body can take this away from us and we like to think that this is just a taste of what we can do in New Zealand next year. On returning home after an extra weeks holiday, I could not wait to see my ‘NT Nationals’ team mates and those in the team that could not make it to Queensland. While all the Pink Ladies I met at the Nationals are special, none can compare to those of your own team. Lyn Beaton, Dragons Abreast NT The following letter was written by a woman with advanced breast cancer and the most poignant moment of our time on the coast was when Gayle walked up the hill after our Flowers on the Water Ceremony through the guard of honour of all paddlers from the elite teams, social teams, breast cancer teams to huge applause. Gayle's smile spoke a thousand words. What a spectacular sight! Bright pink as far as the eye can see, accompanied by smiles as big as the Sahara. I was honoured to able to see the most fantastic group of women do what they do best. Live life to the full! It is no wonder that the other more 'serious' Dragonboat competitors are so awestruck by this remarkable group of women. I know I was. Several Dragon's Abreast teams from around the country met at Hinze Dam Qld in April 2002 to compete against other ladies in the 500m and 250m races. The racing was such a sight. A blaze of bright pink signalled that the Dragon's Abreast ladies were out on the water, so you'd better get up and cheer. I have never before seen such a response for the teams that fill the minor places. The announcer was so enthusiastic about the racing, but the real surprise was the applause and sincere congratulations from spectators and fellow competitors alike. It was just so overwhelming. The ladies went there to have fun. I know I did. We all certainly achieved that. There were some very tired but satisfied bodies by the end of the regatta. So many ladies together supported each other, helping each other find that extra ounce of energy. You dig that little bit deeper and find some part of you that was long forgotten. The laughter and joy was so infectious, who cares what you have to do to get there. At next year's Nationals in Adelaide, you must experience this for yourself. This regatta was not just about Dragonboat racing. It was a celebration of life. In many cases it is the celebration of the changes in each person that have occurred from the initial diagnosis of Breast Cancer. Dragonboat racing gives those Breast Cancer patients and survivors an outlet for their energy, where they are taken as they come. There is understanding that comes from the common bond of living with Breast Cancer. There are no outrageous expectations of your abilities. There is acceptance and genuine happiness that you are able to join in with the team. I took so many photos and video that weekend. I thought I had taken too much, but looking back, I wish I had more vision to remind me and to show others. I was feeling somewhat down before I went. I had been feeling a little tired, but at much urging from Yvonne Dolman and transport supplied by June Stephens, I was able to see this racing albeit from a spectator's perspective. I felt like I was in the boat with the ladies so much of the time. They would come back up the hill after racing and still joke around and show everyone that life can be enjoyed to the max. I came away feeling like I had been given a new lease on life. I have made some minor changes and I now fill my life with so much more than I did before. I thought I had been living life to the full until I met these ladies. On the last day of racing, all the Dragon's Abreast boats raced against each other in a special survivor's race. Even though I wasn't able to paddle in one of the Dragon boats, arrangements were made for myself and some other ladies with BC to experience the racing on the water. There were small motorboats that accompanied the Dragonboats in case of any mishaps. We were driven out onto the water and travelled alongside the ladies as they raced each other in the Survivor's Race for the Dragon's Abreast boats only. It's not until you're up close that you realise how much effort it takes to race one of these boats. At the completion of the race, flowers were scattered over the water in a special Flower Ceremony, to remember all those who had succumbed to this disease. There wasn't a dry eye anywhere. All these great sportsmen and women on the hill overlooking the lake were brought to tears by a group of women dressed in the brightest of pinks spreading pink and blue flowers over the water. The message about Breast Cancer touched everyone in a deeply profound way. A competitor from one of the Gold Coast teams was so moved by the event, that he wanted to give me something to remember my day and to help me in my fight. He gave me the first gold medal he had won. It was such an honour to receive such a treasure from a complete stranger. As we all made our way up the hill after the ceremony, a guard of honour was formed and ALL the ladies were congratulated by the rest of the competitors. This was such an emotional experience. We all then joined the lines and congratulated those who followed us up the hill. It was a truly awe inspiring sight. There had been guards of honour over the weekend before, but this one was particularly wonderful. Many photos were taken and many tears were shed. Many new bonds have been forged and many memories experienced that will stay with us forever. Gayle Creed Bakers Delight Booval Fair Franchisee and Breast Cancer patient The following is a thank you note that I received from one of the support paddlers. I'd like to thank you for having me in your boat and allowing me the experience of a life time paddling with such a wonderful group of motivated, happy, energetic, spirited women....Go girls.... I’ve been paddling for 4 years with the Cockburn Dragon Boat club in Perth and never have I experienced such a vibrant fun loving group. I found the "Flowers on the Water" ceremony very moving to participate in... although not a Breast Cancer survivor I have survived 2 bouts of Hodgekins lymphoma, and a stem cell transplant... a part of my life I rarely acknowledge, and have lost friends and family to the dreaded "Big C". Since returning to Perth I have heard of another friend, being diagnosed and will surely put her onto the wonderful contacts at the Breast Cancer Network. I have already spoken to the WA Dragons Abreast Amazons about the possibility of me learning to sweep to enable me help the Pink girls here be an "all girl" team.... I want to wear the pink Tutu!! Vivienne Wigg, WA
It’s fitting that this last photo is of the wonderful girls from Qld - Thank you all for another fabulous memory! Hope to see you all next year in Adelaide! Michelle Hanton
|
|
TOP 
Sitemap
|
.jpg)
