Dragons Abreast Mackay, Queensland, Australia
Tania is a newer member of the group and had her first festival experience in France.
Dragons Abreast Mackay’s motto is “Fun, fitness and friendship” and this is what I have experienced these past 7 days in Annecy/Aix Le Bains France
On my way to Annecy on the first day I was filled with excitement mixed with a bit of social anxiety due to being my first big event with the team in which many had travelled together a few times and I was a newbie. We were going to be together for 7 days racing and socialising and Scott didn’t know anyone. BUT I shouldn’t have been worried, what an amazing bunch of women are in this team. Inclusivity should also be in their motto.
The festivals first day was the ‘Parade of Nations’ which was a spectacle of flags, team uniforms, singing, dancing and the most colourful and amazing dragons and drummers. Locals, volunteers, supporters and families lined the pathway and cheered 4500 breast cancer survivors and supporters. Was very emotional and I couldn’t really believe I was here.
Then came the racing in a brand-new boat supplied by the festival on the most beautiful lake in the French Alps. It was hard not to look around and admire what was happening. But our paddlers did so well and again I shed a tear of excitement and relief. As we left the boat and walked back from the pontoons, we were met with the volunteers and other teams cheering and high fiving us. There was no winner - there were six boats of survivors having a go and having fun together. It was so much fun
The afternoon finished with the Sandy Smith Race and Flowers on the water which represented and celebrated those who have passed, those who are battling cancer currently and those who are now in remission. I was told it was emotional and beautiful but I wasn’t prepared for what it did to me. I will admit I bawled my eyes out but the most beautiful part was I got the biggest hugs from my teammates and friends beside me as we supported each other. The thought of everyone here with a beautiful gerbera and all with their own cancer stories was inspirational.
We are now on our last day with our last race together as our IBCPC France 2026 trip comes to an end. My social anxiety didn’t resurface as I have spent the last week with a bunch of amazing, strong and resilient women and their wonderful if not patient husbands and children. An experience I will hold close to my heart forever and am eternally grateful I found Dragons Abreast Mackay. Now we start planning to attend Singapore in four years and relive this experience.
