Sport
30 October, 2026
Survivors make waves in France
FIVE women from Warrnambool’s South C Dragons have recently returned from France where they participated in the International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission Dragon Boat Festival.
The group joined members from Dragons Abreast Gold Coast to form one of half a dozen Australian teams entered in the festival.
“The festival was held in the town of Aix-les-Bains and it was just wonderful,” team member Judy Conn said.
“It truly was a celebration and recognition of all breast cancer survivors along with a very moving tribute to those lost to the disease.”
In their classy pink berets, matching lifejackets and oars, and specially designed tops, the Dragons (Judy Conn, Anne Wallace, Marlene O’Brien, Janet Goodall and Glenda Mugavin) joined 177 teams from across the world for the festival.
“The number of paddlers and supporters there was just mind-blowing,” Judy said.
“The festival was for all breast cancer survivors and attracted around 4500 participants.”
The Dragons and their Gold Coast team-mates competed in the 200m race and finished third in both their heat and the final.
“It was amazing to finish third but the festival is more about developing friendships, memories and just having a great time – rather than who finishes where in the finals.
“But in saying that, we’re also very proud of our efforts on the water. Finishing third was certainly a very proud moment for us all and we’re very grateful to our local community for its support.”
The dragon boat festival is held every three to four years and is an international, non-competitive participatory event for breast cancer paddler teams who engage in dragon boat activities as post breast cancer diagnosis rehabilitation.
This year was the first time since the establishment of IBCPC in 2010 that the event was held in France.
The event concluded with a highly emotional flower/closing ceremony.
“The closing ceremony was one of the highlights for us all,” Judy said.
“This was a very emotional and moving time of reflection, to pause and remember all those lost to breast cancer.”
