WIN, lose or draw at this week’s Australian Masters Games, the crew from Dragons Abreast Bendigo has already shown its mettle in beating the odds.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The team will have 24-members competing at the Lake Barrington International Course in Tasmania’s north west, nearly all of them breast cancer survivors.
Spokesperson Jennifer Mathews said winning medals was of no importance to this special group of ladies, who were simply there for the fitness, fun and camaraderie.
“We have a crew of about 30, but only 22 on the boat,” she explained.
“We are allowed a couple of supporters, who haven’t had breast cancer – I think we’re allowed six supporters.
“We try to get to a few regattas, but this is a Masters Games and they are only on every two years, which is a bit special.”
The Bendigo group has been active for 15 years and trains twice a week at Lake Weeroona, including Wednesday nights at 5.30pm.
Their final session for the Masters Games was on Monday night.
Mathews said group numbers had fluctuated over the years, but the group was always on the look-out new members.
“We’ve sadly lost a few members over time, but we’ve gained a few along the way at the same time,” she said.
“There’s usually about 30 of us in the club, but we’re taking 24 to Tasmania.”
Five of the team has been involved for the entire 15 years, while nine – including Mathews – have had breast cancer twice.
“Probably 80 per cent have had a mastectomy – but the ‘C’ word is never spoken,” she said.
“We are just there to support each other and have a good time.”
The team will participate in 10 heats across two days in Tasmania, in its original club boat, which was purchased from its former owner in Gunbower.
Competition among the dragon boats, which includes a few corporate crews, is expected to be intense.
Probably 80 per cent have had a mastectomy – but the ‘C’ word is never spoken.
- Jennifer Mathews
But Mathews maintained the Bendigo team was only there for the fun and to spread an important health message.
“It’s great exercise for us ladies,” she said.
“Wherever we go, we always have our pink shirts on with our name on them, so a lot of people come up and say ‘congratulations, you surprised breast cancer.’
“It’s amazing how many people don’t know we exist, but we hope after this they will
“The disease itself isn’t going to go away, and every second lady you talk to knows somebody affected by breast cancer.”
For inquiries on how to join Dragons Abreast Bendigo, email bendigo@dragonsabreast.com.au
