Sport
6 October, 2023
Club heads to Masters Games
THE South C Dragons (SCD) dragon boat club is heading to the 19th Australian Masters Games.
The Games, to be held in Adelaide from October 7-14, will see members of the Warrnambool Dragonboat Club compete on the water in dragon boating events on the final three days of competition.
This will be the first time the club has registered its own team for the games – in the past, members have participated at regattas in composite teams.
Twelve SCD members will travel to Adelaide for the event. For the Masters Games, the competition teams comprise of 10 or 20 paddlers, a sweep and a drummer, and the age range is 40+ years and 60+ years in open, women’s and BFS events.
The dragon boating fraternity also provides opportunities at regattas and events for people who have had a cancer diagnosis (particularly breast cancer) where lymphedema may be a side effect from treatments.
It has been shown that paddling is beneficial for upper body fitness and the camaraderie is also helpful for mental health.
South C Dragons is always looking for new members. The club is a welcoming and inclusive one, involving men and women from a range of diverse backgrounds.
Dragon boating is not always about racing and regatta. Members enjoy the social aspect of having fun on the water with a group of friends while keeping active.
“Members are encouraged to participate at a level they feel comfortable with,” club member Glenda said.
“Social membership is also available to past paddlers and friends who may wish to remain connected with the club (conditions apply).”
This year, with assistance from the Warrnambool City Council, the club is looking forward to securing its 14-metre long boat in a new, purpose-built shed closer to the river where members usually paddle.
The club currently has two trainee sweeps and two coaches upskilling for the future.
It also hopes to encourage more opportunities for members to enjoy paddling on various waterways and with other clubs.
For further information about dragon boating in Warrnambool contact Glenda on 0417 350 077 or Victoria on 0427 659 796.
