Dragons Abreast Australia: promoting breast cancer awareness

DRAGONS ABREAST MISSION STATEMENT

"To offer hope and inspiration to those faced with a diagnosis of breast cancer and promote the fact that there is "quality of life" after breast cancer!"

"Keeping the Spirit Alive!"

BACKGROUND OF DRAGONS ABREAST

The Breast Cancer Network Australia was launched with the Field of Women in Canberra in 1998 following the first National Breast Cancer Conference for Women.  Sharon Batt, a Canadian author and one of the keynote speakers, spoke of the Canadian breast cancer survivor paddlers in her country.   Michelle Hanton from the Northern Territory was inspired and with fellow Territorians launched, what would go on to become the first Australian Dragons Abreast team in Darwin in late 1998.  Canberra followed in the spring of 1999 and now there are member groups and teams in every State and Territory of Australia.

Dragons Abreast members have competed at International, National, State and local regattas and continue to be very effective in raising awareness of breast cancer.

The Australian Dragon Boat Federation has recognised Dragons Abreast as a unique movement & at the 2001 Australian National Titles included for the first time, a special breast cancer survivor division complete with a perpetual trophy. The survivor movement is also recognised by the International Dragon Boat Federation and there are approximately 100 + survivor teams across the globe.

OUR OBJECTIVE

The purpose of Dragons Abreast is promote breast cancer awareness and education whilst having fun and demonstrating that people can fully participate in life despite physical limitations as a result of treatment for breast cancer.

Competition outcome does not matter. We are winners by simply being present as part of the team.

OUR AIMS

  • To help people with a diagnosis of breast cancer understand that they can still lead full and active lives despite physical limitations imposed by breast cancer.
  • To encourage people to "achieve their dream" of regaining an active, adventurous lifestyle despite a diagnosis of breast cancer.
  • To give a "face" to the breast cancer statistics
  • To promote wellness, fitness, fun and camaraderie for breast cancer survivors not only amongst Australians but also internationally through our links with other breast cancer dragon boat teams.
  • To raise awareness of breast cancer whilst supporting the search for a cure.

THE ROLE OF DRAGONS ABREAST TEAMS IN STATES AND TERRITORIES

State & local coordinators for each team will ensure that teams:

  • Paddle under the banner of Dragons Abreast Australia
  • Include the designated words and logo on all letterheads, flyers, caps, shirts and any other promotional material.
  • Advise the National Coordinator (in advance, where possible) of any media interviews (radio included) and provide copies of any media clippings etc to the National Coordinator.
  • Check with the National Coordinator prior to approaching large companies for sponsorship.
  • Channel correspondence with the IDBF and AusDBF through the National Coordinator.
  • Advise the National Coordinator of any potential sponsors, national or local, for Dragons Abreast to ensure these sponsors do not clash with the National sponsors of Dragons Abreast Australia.
  • Contribute to the newsletter and website.

INDIVIDUAL STATE/TERRITORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Each team is responsible for its own "daily" administration, including:

  • paddles, boats, sweep oars, coaches, sweeps, Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's)
  • swimming ability and fitness levels of members
  • membership fees and training schedules.
  • insurance for team members and guest paddlers or passengers 
  • affiliation with their own State body, eg DBNSW (Dragon Boat NSW) that is in turn a member of the Australian Dragon Boat Federation (AusDBF).
  • local sponsorship to cover local operating expenses.
  • inserts to the national promotional brochure, containing local details, sponsors etc
  • payment of registration fees and travel to competitions.

CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP

Anyone who has faced a diagnosis of breast cancer is eligible for membership.

Age is no barrier nor is fitness level. However to be an active paddling member a reasonable level of general fitness is required although paddling experience is not necessary.

There is room for everyone, not necessarily as paddling members, to be a part of Dragons Abreast Australia

Supporters (ie people who have not had breast cancer) are welcome to train with the team. However, in the competition situation priority placement will be given to breast cancer survivors - regardless of who has done more training or is stronger.

COMMITMENTS REQUIRED OF MEMBERS

Dragons Abreast Australia members are committed to:

  • Recognise that they are advocates for the mission and messages that Dragons Abreast Australia promotes.
  • Distribute breast cancer information to the general public as and when requested.
  • Willingly take part in media interviews and speaking engagements when requested.
  • Recognise that Dragons Abreast Australia is primarily a volunteer run organisation and be prepared to support the organisation in any way they feel able.
  • Acknowledge they have responsibilities to team mates and contribute to a positive environment within the organisation.
  • Recognise that fitness is a year-long, lifetime commitment.

MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Dragons Abreast Australia allows individuals to make their own decision as to when they are ready to join the team. However, it is necessary to recover adequately, both physically and mentally, from the treatment phase of breast cancer. We recommend a minimum of three months recover after completion of therapy before joining the on water activities.

There is tremendous variation as to how individuals adapt to paddling. Some of the variations are attributed to an individuals original fitness levels. Obviously those who exercise regularly will be less likely to develop physical problems. Other factors include age, medical status, stage of breast cancer and its treatment.

Each members must acknowledge that they are responsible for their own health and should notify their own doctor/oncologist/surgeon that they are participating as part of a dragon boat team.

OTHER SPORTING/PROMOTIONAL EVENTS

Dragons Abreast Australia may, from time to time, as a group, either at regional, state or national level, decide to participate in other events apart from dragon boat racing.  On these occasions the Dragons Abreast shirts should be worn thus ensuring the continued spread of our message.

This page last updated: September 2, 2010