Celebrating 20 Years on the Water
This year marked a special milestone for Sunshine Coast Dragons Abreast in Queensland Australia - 20 years of paddling with heart, friendship, and purpose.
To celebrate two decades of paddling, members past and present came together over a memorable anniversary weekend that perfectly captured the spirit of our club - camaraderie, colour, and community.
The festivities began with a 20th Anniversary Dinner Dance, where the room shimmered in shades of pink. There was laughter, dancing, and plenty of reminiscing as we looked back on the journey from our humble beginnings to the vibrant, inclusive club we are today. Special thanks were shared for our founding members and the many hands that have helped steer the club through calm and choppy waters alike.
Fittingly, our anniversary weekend also marked the blessing of two beautiful new dragon boats, made possible through community grants and club fundraising.
The new boats were named Sunrise and Sunset, chosen by club members to reflect the beauty of our river home. Our training sessions often begin in the soft glow of dawn or finish with the colours of evening skies - moments that capture the spirit of paddling together in harmony with nature. The twin names also symbolise balance, renewal, and the shared journeys of life on and off the water.
Their blessing ceremony was both emotional and uplifting, following the dotting of the eyes we tied coloured ribbons on wreathes to mark our connection to the boats.
The anniversary celebration then continued with a social paddle on the Maroochy River in our brand-new boats - the perfect opportunity and setting to reflect, reconnect, and remember why we paddle.
As we move into our next chapter, Sunshine Coast Dragons Abreast remains committed to our founding values - paddling with heart, supporting one another, and celebrating life after breast cancer. Here’s to the next 20 years of connection, courage, and pink-powered paddling.
