The Aussie Dragonflies, featuring Camden Haven women Lyn Buckley, Sue Carter, Wendy Edgington and Genevieve Cumberland along with Port Macquarie club members won their division at the 4^th IBCPC regatta in Florence this month.

They were among 4000 participants from 18 countries competing. 

It was a commendable effort for a team with an average age of 65. The youngest is 47 and the oldest is 83.

Lyn Buckley, a founding member of the Camden Haven Club, said the competition was a great experience for all involved.

“Survivors are an important part of the Camden Haven Dragonboat Club and it was a special experience for them to travel to Florence,” she said.

“They provided encouragement when badly needed and support along the way. The camaraderie and spirit that you feel at the event, knowing what an achievement it is for those 4000 survivors, to be there is amazing”.

The women also got in a bit of sightseeing in the beautiful Tuscany region while they were there. 

Back in 1996, a study by Canadian Dr Don McKenzie found that dragonboating helped the healing process for survivors of breast cancer. 

Some initial participants in the study formed Abreast in a Boat dragonboating club in Canada, and from there a worldwide movement was formed.