S.A. Dragons Abreast Inc. (SADA) was founded in December 2001 by Carlene Butavicius to provide support, hope and inspiration for survivors of breast cancer in South Australia. The club is a member of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and the International Breast Cancer Paddlers' Commission (IBCPC). It is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
The use of dragon boating as a rehabilitation for breast cancer survivors began in Canada by Professor Don Mackenzie in 1996, who believed that upper body exercise aided recovery after surgery and improved lymphatic function. Many of our founding and early members were survivors, and they continue to be the core of our club and an important part of our culture.
Early on in the club's development, it became clear that the appeal of dragon boating was far-reaching, and SADA soon widened membership intake and grew to include a sports category.
The fantastic thing about dragon boating is that you can be competitive at any age, regardless of previous experience in sports. No special skills are required and the technique is easy to master.
Now, sixteen years later, SADA is one of the most competitive dragon boat clubs in South Australia, and as well as competing at state level, has travelled to regattas throughout Australia and the world, winning many medals and trophies along the way. These include events in Queensland, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Perth, Rome, Cape Town, Penang, Hong Kong, Ravenna in Italy and more recently 'Dragons Down Under' in Adelaide.
SADA has an active membership of more than 40 paddlers, including their breast cancer survivors, participating in the Premiers, Masters (40+), Grand Masters (50+) and Great Grand Dragons (60+) categories. We take part in 10 and 20 crew races, at 200, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 metre distances, as well as the annual Peter Bristow 'Round-the-Island' race, named in honour of Peter Bristow, early supporter and coach of SADA, well-known and friend to all SA dragon boaters and a distinguished member of the SA state team.
But SADA is more than just a sports club. For many of us it is as much about friendship and belonging, and a shared understanding that life is what you make of it. Yes, we do sometimes burn the candle at both ends, but it always ends with smiles on our faces and with lots of laughs along the way!
Outside of training and competition, SADA also participates in activities which include the BCNA Bakers Delight Pink Bun Campaign and various DragonBoat SA and Corporate events.
New members are welcome. Enquire now by email to secretary@sadragonsabreast.com.au
The use of dragon boating as a rehabilitation for breast cancer survivors began in Canada by Professor Don Mackenzie in 1996, who believed that upper body exercise aided recovery after surgery and improved lymphatic function. Many of our founding and early members were survivors, and they continue to be the core of our club and an important part of our culture.
Early on in the club's development, it became clear that the appeal of dragon boating was far-reaching, and SADA soon widened membership intake and grew to include a sports category.
The fantastic thing about dragon boating is that you can be competitive at any age, regardless of previous experience in sports. No special skills are required and the technique is easy to master.
Now, sixteen years later, SADA is one of the most competitive dragon boat clubs in South Australia, and as well as competing at state level, has travelled to regattas throughout Australia and the world, winning many medals and trophies along the way. These include events in Queensland, Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Perth, Rome, Cape Town, Penang, Hong Kong, Ravenna in Italy and more recently 'Dragons Down Under' in Adelaide.
SADA has an active membership of more than 40 paddlers, including their breast cancer survivors, participating in the Premiers, Masters (40+), Grand Masters (50+) and Great Grand Dragons (60+) categories. We take part in 10 and 20 crew races, at 200, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 metre distances, as well as the annual Peter Bristow 'Round-the-Island' race, named in honour of Peter Bristow, early supporter and coach of SADA, well-known and friend to all SA dragon boaters and a distinguished member of the SA state team.
But SADA is more than just a sports club. For many of us it is as much about friendship and belonging, and a shared understanding that life is what you make of it. Yes, we do sometimes burn the candle at both ends, but it always ends with smiles on our faces and with lots of laughs along the way!
Outside of training and competition, SADA also participates in activities which include the BCNA Bakers Delight Pink Bun Campaign and various DragonBoat SA and Corporate events.
New members are welcome. Enquire now by email to secretary@sadragonsabreast.com.au
