Aoraki Dragon Boat
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BCS - why dragon boating?

Surgeon and founder of the Breast Cancer Research Trust, Mr John Harman, believes breast cancer survivors should exercise as part of the post-treatment recovery process.

“Exercise and the associated weight loss is an incredibly important part of the recovery process and reduces the risk of cancer returning by between 10 and 20 percent. Dragon Boating is an excellent exercise for breast cancer survivors, as it improves lymphatic flow and so may help prevent lymphedema.”

Lymphedema is a build-up of lymph fluid caused by post-treatment effects.  Women who have had breast cancer have an increased risk of developing this condition, which dragon boating and other sports may help to avoid.

Other benefits include:

  • Enhanced shoulder and arm mobility
  • Greater muscle strength and increased flexibility
  • Decreased fatigue associated with chemotherapy and radiation treatments
  • Enhanced psychological well-being

The origins of dragon boating as part of the rehabilitation process

Dragon boating had its genesis as a survivor sport after a Canadian team was formed as part of a research study into the effects of the sport on breast cancer survivors. The team was expected to disband at the end of the study – but the participants were so enthusiastic about their involvement that the team stuck together and encouraged others to join.

About Meri Pauwels-Gibson

Meri is the driving force behind dragon boating in New Zealand. She’s involved at the board and national level. A survivor of breast cancer herself, she’s well aware of the tremendous benefits the sport has for recovery. Last year she paddled in the Breast Cancer Worlds in Australia amongst 2000 competitors, and is looking forward to running a regatta next year in conjunction with Otago Museum.

 

*sourced from www.dragonsabreast.com.au

  

See photo gallery.

Other news threads:
Christchurch BCS win in Sydney
Plans to upgrade Owles Terrace.
NZ Dragon Boat Assoc revived
Aoraki looking at new venues.
Aoraki bids for International BC Festival
Australians propose closer ties
National Championships a true 'test'
 
Background to this story:

See the story on Christchurch BCS win in Sydney. Also, as reported in our August newsletter:

Four of the girls from Abreast of Life will cross the ditch in mid October to compete in the “Dragons Abreast Australia – Inaugural Corporate & Social Dragon Boat Regatta” on Darling Harbour, Sydney.

Cheryl Gee, Sharyn Chalmers, Jillian Broadbent and Meri Gibson will join a team predominantly from the Dragons Abreast Melbourne (DAM Busters) Club. The “DA Ratatouille” team formed at Chinese New Year earlier this year in celebration of the Chinese Year of the Rat. Ratatouille, being a dish of combined vegetables, is a fitting name for a crew made up of a variety of different members across the country who combined to compete on the day.

These Kiwi girls have earned the name “biker chicks” – over winter, they have spent most Sunday morning’s keeping fit on the mountain bike tracks around McLean’s Island.

Competing in the Sydney Regatta will give them a week or so head start on NZ teams, who are on the water from 28-October.

 

 

Affiliated to NZDBA home - contact us - faq updated: 15-may-11
(c) Noel Anderton