New Zealand Nationals April 6, 2019
Missabittatitti is always up for an adventure and when Meri Gibson, Vice-President of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission, who has a special relationship with MBT, including our current President, Sharon Hammond, plus co- IBCPC member Jo Parry, invited us to race in the New Zealand Dragon Boat Nationals, Dragons Abreast Brisbane of course said yes!
A proud contingent of MBT paddlers traveled to New Zealand to represent Dragons Abreast Brisbane in the New Zealand Dragon Boat Nationals.
The Dragon Boat Regatta
MBT was proudly pink, green and gold, carrying in our hearts all of our teammates back home, and especially those currently undergoing further treatment for their breast cancer.
On Friday 5th and Saturday 6th of April 2019 MBT showed up (and shivered!) at Lake Karapiro in the Waikato ready to take on our Kiwi sisters in the hotly contested breast cancer survivor category.
MBT competed in three dragon boat events:
- 500-metre races on Friday
- 200-metre Sprints on Saturday
- 2,000 metre Turns racing on Saturday
The NZDBA is a full member of the International Dragon Boat Federation https://www.dragonboat.sport/ the international controlling body for the worldwide world sport of dragon boat racing, so the New Zealand Dragon Boat Nationals is an International sanctioned event.
A Great Team Making Great Memories
Like all MBT adventures, this one will lead to great memories.
Missabittatitti enjoyed a dinner with the other breast cancer crews, getting to know our competition away from the racing.
An emotional Flowers on the Water ceremony, followed by the traditional Haka was a true highlight for many of us also.
As a team we can handle anything. Minibus fails, the antics of our team mascot Noddy, ambulance excursions, the fear of sunburn and dehydration and of course that fog.
As always, our sense of humour, camaraderie and true MBT team spirit created an amazing experience both on and off the water.
Interested in the race results?
Visit the New Zealand Dragon Boat Association Website.