Five members of Toukley based Dragons Abreast dragon boat group, Coastbusters, are heading to the International Breast Cancer Paddler’s Commission (IBCPC) Dragon Boat Festival this July.
Dragons Abreast are a group of people who have either survived breast cancer or are supporters of survivors, who participate in dragon boat paddling. There are Dragons Abreast branches across the country, with the Central Coast branch based in Peel St, Toukley. “We invite anyone touched by breast cancer on the Central Coast to get in touch and see what we’re all about,” said Coastbusters’ Secretary, Ms Pam Percic. “We are a charity and have regular paddles to improve our fitness in a caring and supportive environment, with the opportunity to get more involved and even fitter as we recover from breast cancer. “Our members join in general regattas occasionally, or just come to training, it is their choice.
“After the shock, surgery and treatment of breast cancer, dragon boating offers fun, camaraderie, support and understanding, as well as an increase in total body strength. “We fundraise to help us maintain our dragon boat, purchase a cover when necessary and help us attend and join in regattas, both nationally and internationally, and we are so excited to be sending five our ladies to Florence,” Ms Percic said. The IBCPC Dragon Boat Festival is held every four years and is an international, non-competitive, participatory event, targeting breast cancer survivors’ teams. The Florence 2018 Festival will involve 129 teams from 17 countries, and for the very first time, all the continents will be represented over the five-day Festival from July 3-8.
Source: Media release, Jun 18 Pam Percic, Coastbusters Dragons Abreast Central Coast