Testimonials
General contact
tel: 1300 889 566
or office@dragonsabreast.com.au
2010
Farewell
Dragons Abreast and the Tickled Pink team (DA ACT) have been such a wonderful group of ladies while I've been in Canberra these past four years. I can't thank everyone enough for the fun and encouraging times. Of the things that I have to leave as we depart Australia, DA will be the thing I miss the very most. Thank you ladies for making my cancer journey conquerable! Yes, there are wonderful things that result from cancer! If any of you come to Maryland (just above Washington DC and three hours south of New York), know you have a place to stay for as long as you want. Dragons Abreast has been more to me than just a cancer byproduct; it is the favourite part of my week. Tickled Pink is where I have felt most loved. Cheryl Brower 20 July 2010
Peterborough and beyond
We did finish up first in our lane and the only non Canadian team in the final. But the festival wasn't only about the racing, it was the fellowship (or sistership) that was the biggest factor. The ladies were very nice and everyone was there to enjoy themselves and celebrate life. The locals welcomed us in the most generous way and we were given so much. The opening parade was a symphony of noise and the town turned out to wave and cheer us all on. There were so many Australians there that one gentleman asked is we had brought over five jumbo jets. We all sang our team songs and chants.
Something that we may take for granted and that the team that went to Canada have learnt about is the sheer level of support we receive in Canberra. Some teams around the world, and even in Australia, really do it tough. They receive no local support, little if any proper coaching, are hampered by group politics and use their own resources. It made us all glad to be part of CDBA and have such a wonderful group of supportive women (and partners) in our own club. Thank you all for your kindness and support over the last few months, you have no idea how special you all are.
The Flowers on the Water ceremony was very special for me because it was my first. I enjoyed a special paddle with the fabulously welcoming Chestmates team and tour of the watery side of Kingston. One lady literally gave me the shirt off her back — the team’s first paddling tshirt. They are amazingly generous. Boerge Alexander 16 June 2010
A few thoughts from a newbie
It’s actually quite hard to adequately put into words all that has been so good, for me, about becoming a part of Dragons Abreast in Canberra and a member of DAA. Firstly, I don’t think I’ve ever met a group who are so welcoming, friendly, supportive and generous-spirited. On every occasion, and in every way, people have been kind, caring, accepting and constantly helpful. Advice, humour and support are freely shared and it has been a joy to feel ‘embraced’ by the Dragon’s Abreast family. I have never seen or heard any judgements about skill level, ability, size or shape; rather everyone is instantly a valued part of the team, albeit at training, ‘come and try’ or a regatta.
There is also the other common thread which unites us — a diagnosis of breast cancer. In the past I have had a slight resistance to the whole ‘pink thing’, not wanting to define myself solely by having breast cancer; however, within this wonderful group of women I have again met only kindness, empathy, care, support, encouragement and the kind of helpful nurturing advice and honesty that comes with the shared understanding of the challenges and joys of this breast cancer journey.
And then there’s the paddling! Who’d have thought it could be such good fun? Being on the water is so healing, beautiful, uniting and magical; I just love it. The ‘three steps forward, two steps back’ development style I seem to have adopted with my paddling technique also fills me with hope, joy, delight, and a constant desire to improve along with accepting it can only get better.
So a heartfelt thank you to you all for my happy introduction to dragon boating and to Dragons Abreast. The wide welcoming smiles, the graciousness of those I splash (or drench), the encouragement, help and care so generously expressed and shared, the called greetings and goodbyes, everything has contributed to a wonderful experience. I look forward to regaining my full voice and being able to join in the chant with all the joy, gusto and enthusiasm that you each bring to dragon boating. Paddles up! Jane Fitzgerald
Paddling is awesome! Joining Dragons Abreast has given me an opportunity to turn a negative event in my life into a positive and very rewarding experience. It has certainly helped me to overcome some health and emotional problems, motivated me to become much fitter and introduced me to many inspirational people. Last, but certainly not least, I am enjoying the regular opportunities to share a lot of fun and laughter with newly found friends.
Paddling is awesome with the added bonus of the wonderful environment of our beautiful Canberra, some positive reinforcement and encouragement from our sweeps, (of course, Sam’s ‘firm’ voice during training on a Wednesday afternoon) and especially the DA paddlers — yes, we are getting fitter!
I guess you could call me a ‘newbie’ (having only accumulated the grand total of six months’ paddling experience) but I feel, however, that I have been participating for so much longer. In that short time I have been given the opportunity to try my hand at drumming, sweeping (albeit going around in circles!) and stroking without ever feeling any pressure to have to perform perfectly.
Finally, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to Anna Wellings Booth and all who are associated with Dragons Abreast ACT. Colleen White
2009
I am delighted to see the item about Jan in your segment Vale - Angels
Abreast. Our involvement with Dragons Abreast was inspirational and
gave Jan great pleasure and satisfaction, as well as providing hope and
support. I note that you do not have a photo of Jan in the item and I
am therefore attaching one that you might like to include. Thank you
once again for the support and camaraderie that you afforded us during
Jan's illness. Ian Matthews
Good morning ladies, As some of you are aware, my partner and I have recently moved into a new house. In fact it happened late last week and over the weekend. Whilst that is very exciting, so also is the fact that you have awarded both myself and Marion Blake the Dragon Spirit Award.
I am very honoured to receive this award. I am also very pleased for Marion, who throws so much into her role of coordinator. I have for a number of years now been paddling, sweeping and coaching with DA ACT. I often find myself thinking how different Canberra can seem from on the water. Canberra can keep us all consumed in busy jobs, but out on the water with a group of women from various backgrounds is always relaxing and invigorating. I owe you all a debt of gratitude for keeping me encouraged, motivated, laughing, talking and remembering to be thankful everyday that I should actually be long gone by now, but science had an answer to nature in my case.
Thank you again, and look forward to seeing you on the water soon.
Cheers, Narelle. [Major Narelle M. Powers]
.... 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:
August 12, 2010
