A team of breast cancer survivors have discovered one of the best forms of exercise for rehabilitation after surgery – dragon boating. They established the team, the Pink Dragons, and successfully competed over the weekend in a Hamilton regatta on the stunning Hamilton Lake Domain.
The Pink Dragons Team promotes the benefits of leading an active life after surviving breast cancer. The team is made up of women from all different walks of life enjoying a social way to keep fit and increase energy. They also pay tribute to their sisters who have passed.
The Hamilton Super 12 regatta was the first competition for many of the paddlers, with plenty of laughs and excitement on the day. They paddled a distance of 250 meters for five races and the boat is made up of 12 paddlers, plus a drummer and a sweep.
These types of regattas are a great opportunity for newbies to experience racing before the Regionals and Nationals next year. The Dragon Boat season starts in October and ends in March and the Pink Dragons train every Tuesday and Thursday evening out of Westhaven in Auckland. They are always open and welcome to new members.
Ormiston Hospital sees many patients who have undergone breast surgery and actively promote the Pink Dragons as a way to discover a new zest for life after surgery.
If you know someone or you are someone who has had breast cancer and could be interested in joining the team please share the details with them.