There will be lots of fun on the lake on Saturday 24 October as paddlers take to the water in dragonboat races to compete in the Annual 2009 Dragons Abreast Dragonboat challenge, raising funds for Dragons Abreast Australia and other groups supporting women with breast cancer.
800 novice paddlers competing in 38 corporate teams representing the Embassy of the United States, the European Union, Calvary and Canberra Hospitals, private companies, government departments, gyms and schools will paddle to demonstrate that breast cancer affects everyone.
Senator Kate Lundy a Patron of Dragons Abreast ACT and Region will be there to present the Maggie Sharp Award for fastest female team, Health Heroes Shield and pink life savers for fastest medical team in any heat and 20 rubber ducks and certificate for best dressed.
When: Saturday 24 October
Where: Lotus Bay, Lake Burley Griffin
Time 8:15am-2:30pm
Media are invited to have a snack or lunch, free five minute hand massage and a tour of the site.
Food is available throughout the day, with a fundraising BBQ, fish and chips from the Southern Cross Yacht Club and drinks and ice-cream.
Photo opportunities
- Media tour of site
- Mini field of Women on the shore near the ferry
- 800 paddlers from 38 corporate teams warming up and racing on the lake in dragonboats wearing their team colours and sitting in their decorated team camps.
- Presentations by Senator Kate Lundy including the Maggie Sharp Award for fastest female team, Health Heroes Shield and pink life savers for fastest medical team in any heat and 20 rubber ducks and certificate for best dressed.
- Girls in hula skirts will lead round one warm ups and the Calvary Hospital team will perform the NZ Haka to inspire the other team to demonstrate their own dramatic war cries.
Interview opportunities
- Marion Blake – Coordinator Dragons Abreast
- Kel Watt- President Australian Dragon Boat Federation
- Senator Kate Lundy – Patron of Dragons Abreast ACT and Region
- Alexander Dillon – ANU Medical student and competitor
- Other Dragons Abreast and corporate team members
Media contact: Annika Hutchins (Senator Kate Lundy) 0407 458 882
