At our first meeting of the year, we were treated to a captivating presentation from two members of the CanSurvive dragon boat team. What really struck everyone was not just their success on the water, both in New Zealand and overseas, but the powerful impact the sport has had on their lives and on others involved.
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At our first meeting of the year, we were treated to a captivating presentation from two members of the CanSurvive dragon boat team. What really struck everyone was not just their success on the water, both in New Zealand and overseas, but the powerful impact the sport has had on their lives and on others involved.
Jenny McDougal explained that CanSurvive was set up in Wellington in the summer of 2002/2003 as a support group for breast cancer survivors. It began with 20 enthusiastic, mostly novice paddlers who were keen to promote physical, mental, and social well-being through dragon boating. They quickly earned a reputation as “paddlers with attitude” and tasted early success at the 2003 National Dragon Boat Festival.
Jenny talked about the growth of the team from a small group of inexperienced paddlers into a crew that now competes successfully at international events. All the women involved have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and many credit the physical training and competition as a significant part of their recovery and ongoing wellbeing.
Iona then spoke about her experiences as a member of the premier breast cancer survivor crew. As well as enjoying local success, they travelled to Ravenna, Italy, to compete in the 2024 IDBF Club Crew World Championships, where they won three gold medals. Before that, they had already picked up a silver medal in 2018 and a bronze in 2014 at other international events, and they are multiple-time winners of the NZ Regional Championships.
Their presentation was full of energy and emotion. It was clear they’ve been on a real journey—training hard, often in the cold Wellington harbour and sometimes in the dark! They talked about the effort, the belief that they could compete with the best, and the strong sense of purpose everyone in the team shares. They also highlighted the positive outcomes for many in CanSurvive who have recovered from breast cancer, while respectfully acknowledging those who have not. Their commitment to fundraising to support these activities was equally inspiring.
Note: Can Survive have a movie fundraiser coming up on International Women’s Day Sunday March 8
https://events.humanitix.com/
Also their annual High Tea will be at the Khandallah Town Hall on May 16.
More information can be found on their web page (www. https://www.cansurvive.co.nz/)
Howard Tong (Club Reporter)