And briefly...
The Jo Jo'sThis is an amazing, fun and energetic Festival, with the most beautiful atmosphere, but more importantly it’s a chance to raise money and honour women who have struggled through breast cancer and come back fighting, women who are still fighting now and women who have lost their battle and left friends and family behind. Recently a close friend and work colleague told me she had just had a mastectomy for breast cancer - I felt crushed, hurt and angry ... what had she done to deserve this? |
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Ascot Radiology Pink DragonsWho are we? We're a fiesty bunch of women determined to carry the message that life is for living fully and actively after the diagnosis of breast cancer. A dragon boat team is just the best sort of support group to belong to. Fun, fitness, camaraderie and a sense of purpose are the magic ingredients that have kept our team strong since it was formed in 2005. Based In Auckland, NZ, we are lucky to have a generous sponsor in Abano Health Care, the parent company to which Ascot Radiology belongs. We hope to inspire other breast cancer survivors and their families to believe in the power of positive action to enhance recovery from this life-threatening disease. The Dragons Abreast Festival promises to be a real blast! We are looking forward to making new friends amongst our Aussie competitors, and strengthening the ties of the dragon boating community in Oceania. |
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Fairfax Digital Blazing PaddlesBlazing Paddles is a mixed team of Fairfax Digital’s Sydney-based staff who have signed up to compete in this regatta and raise money for Dragons Abreast. We’re from all over the business – sales, product, marketing, design, development – and needless to say we’ve got a lot of enthusiasm and creativity! The team is looking forward to learning how to paddle (and how to stop the boat) and raising money for a good cause. Part of Fairfax Media Limited, Fairfax Digital is one of the world's most respected media organisations,. Fairfax Digital is split into three sections – Media, Classifieds and Transactions. With a network of 200+ websites including smh.com.au, theage.com.au, brisbanetimes.com.au, WAtoday.com.au, Essential Baby, Domain, Drive, MyCareer, RSVP, Stayz and InvestSMART. |
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Dragonboat ZDragonBoat Z are a highly skilled and talented team dedicated to becoming 'The Best DragonBoat Team in the Universe'. Unfortunately our skills and talents are at everything except Dragonboating and thus do not include paddling, timing, strength or indeed boating in any form (although our Team Captain did once performed a stirring rendition of Rod Stewart's "Sailing" at her local karaoke bar.) Regardless, we are motivated by the belief that once we step in the boat we will be guided to victory by a wish-granting dragon and a spikey haired man called Goku. We are a bunch of first time boaters - a mish-mash of writers, scientists, teachers, tradies and students, all with largely inflated egos, most of whom share some interest in softball or other miscellaneous sporting activities. We anticipate our biggest advantage will be our outlandish good looks which will leave other teams stunned by beauty in our wake. |
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Busting with LifeBusting with Life, established in Auckland in 1998, was the first breast cancer survivor dragon boat team in New Zealand.Six of the original paddlers are still with the team. All team members benefit from the support and friendship of each other. Breast cancer survivors can demonstrate, by action, that age and lifestyle are no barrier to participating in the sport of dragon boating. Busting with Life has consistently raced to victory locally, nationally and overseas. For three consecutive years we have won gold in the Breast Cancer Division at the Nationals in New Zealand. Our motivation comes from our desire to be competitive on the water but also to show others that there is a life after breast cancer. Having competed in Canada and Singapore we are looking forward to the experience in Darling Harbour. |
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Oz DoccersThe OzDoccers are a never-been-in-a-canoe-before outfit of untrained, generally unhealthy non-experts of the water. Formulated as an experiment in whether lack of ambition can compensate for a lack of basic physical fitness, the team's race entry will be their first experience as paddlers in a Dragon Boat thingy-me-bob. For some of us it's likely to be our last experience too -- given the limited swimming capabilities affecting 40% of the crew. Based in Sydney, we are made up of journalists, editorial, sales and marketing staff at Australian Doctor -- a weekly magazine for the medical profession. We are looking forward to meeting all the crews from both here in Australia and our friends across the Tasman. |
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RoOh!w Your Boat!We’re oOh! Australia’s most dynamic, progressive and creative company in the out-of-home industry. And through our diverse product offerings we continually deliver creative and intelligent out-of-home solutions to help advertisers better engage with consumers. By pulling together staff members to fill the 'roOh!w your boat' team we will be raising money for the wonderful cause that is Dragons Abreast Australia. |
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APO DragonsThe Apo-DRAGONS formed in 2009 after learning a close colleague had battled breast cancer. We were determined and ready to make our mark in Dragon Boat history – but alas, it was not to be. Instead we had lots of fun, plenty of laughter and a great day out on the water. This year we're back - bigger, better and ready to race. Last year we were on a mission to finish the race – which we did with flying colours. This year our mission is simple – paddle harder, laugh louder and try not to ingest litres of Harbour water doing so!! We're second time paddle holders and a few fresh rookies from various departments within our company. We look forward to another year on the water with everyone.Apotex Pty Ltd, the Australian subsidiary of the Apotex Group of Companies, is committed to provide Australians with high quality, low cost generic medicines. |
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Dragons Abreast GeelongDragons Abreast Geelong are aptly named the Juggernauts or Juggs for short - will let you think about that for a while!We are a group of dedicated dragon boaters a member group of Dragons Abreast Australia and have been in existence for over 6 years. Our main objective is having fun while trying to get fit and broadcasting to all who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and their supporters that life can be fulfilling and active with others travelling the same journey. So looking forward to participating at Darling Harbour for the first time. "Jugger, jugger, ,jugger, naught, naught ,naught"!!!! |
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Trojan OarsThe Trojan Oars is made up of a group of energetic & dynamic people from the recruitment industry who have come together for a great cause! This is a first time event for The Trojan Oars and first time rowers for many of us, but we’re excited! Recruitment is all about team work, commitment, dedication & perseverance so let’s hope we can apply all these skills to Dragon Boat Racing. Our motto for this event is “Oars for a Cause” Trojan Recruitment Group is a national provider of quality people solutions. We offer a wide range of recruitment services to meet your employment needs through two core businesses: Trojan Workforce & Corus People Solutions. For more information please visit our website on www.trojanrecruitmentgroup.com.au |
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Blame it on the Boobie!Don't blame it on the sunshine Don't blame it on the moonlight Don't blame it on the good times Blame it on the Boobie This magic paddling moves me That beating drummer moves me I just can't I just can't I just can't control my paddle Let's hope that spellbound rhythm get's us paddling right...... |
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Gadens Crouching TigersBeyond providing us with a motley bunch of elite dragon boat racers each year, Gadens Lawyers provides legal services to some of Australia’s leading businesses in areas including banking and finance, corporate advisory, property and construction, energy and resources, insolvency, insurance, trade practices, litigation and workplace relations. Gadens Lawyers are one of Australia ’s leading commercial law firms and operate all around the country. They like to involve themselves in the community as much as possible, especially if it involves showing off their paddling prowess and capsizing skills. They have fantastic co-ordinated community involvement program, sponsor a number of charities and support the arts. Also, through their Greener Gadens environmental program, they are currently working to help establish environmental performance reporting in the legal industry as a pioneer member of Legal Green, the first national legal industry environmental benchmarking program. |
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USANAThe USANA Health Sciences team are passionate about making a difference. The team are united by the founder’s vision – “Love life and live it to its fullest in happiness and health”. USANA’s mission to develop and provide the highest quality, science-based health products, distributed internationally through network marketing. For the second year in the row, everyone at USANA wants to be a part of the team, including USANA employees and USANA Associates from all across Sydney. They have more team members than they have paddles, so whoever isn’t paddling is showing their support on the sidelines. Together, this team and all their supporters are passionate about sharing a message of health and wellness. |
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Rapidos AmigosI am doing this for my darling wife who is in this photo with me, and for all the women and men that I have met through Dragons Abreast Sydney and all the Dragons Abreast regattas that I have participated in. I have seen the importance of Dragons Abreast as I have witnessed the recovery and enjoyment it brings to help them through their cancer ordeal. I have seen new people coming into Dragons Abreast with the signs of suffering and trauma on their faces, and I have seen after a period of time the positive changes and complete turn around that being involved in such a wonderful organisation brings to them. It seems to me the times that I have been involved in Dragons Abreast Regattas these breast cancer survivors know how to enjoy friendship, to laugh and have fun together. |
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The Blackheath ArkIn 2009, the mighty 'Blackheath Afloat' boat was launched, and competed most valiantly and gallantly at Darling Harbour. Due to mere altitude problems, we ran aground, not on Mount Ararat, but Mount Blackheath. Undaunted, the crew, like a previous well known craft, have launched themselves back on the flood, as 'The Blackheath Ark'. Two by two, we shall prevail, sending out a black cockatoo in search of land as the waters recede to Darling Harbour levels. This photo is the German shepherdess Sadie helping Mr and Mrs Noah look for the shepherd. |
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Ravenswood AfloatRavenswood Afloat, hastily incorporated in June 2010 at Gordon NSW, consists of a mixed bag of teachers and admin staff. This inexperienced team, intends to teach the other competitors, that it is all about watching us and learning. We have science, history and physical education on our side not to mention, lining up and sitting two by two in neat rows. The chemistry between the team members will ensure that we excel at any challenge on the day. Semper ad meliora.... or in English, paddle hard and have fun. |
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Burwood Bosom BuddiesThe Triple B's (Burwood Bosom Buddies) are made up of staff members from all departments of council life and when these areas combine we transform into an Unbeatable Superpower. The team's "can do" attitude and super strength can't be beaten. |
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The StrawniesThankfully due to overwhelming support we have managed to gather paddlers far and wide (well between 1st floor of our office building way up to 4th floor!) to now enter a 2nd team! The Strawnies will be the 2nd Unilever Team alongside The Jo Jo's to participate in this amazing day. All paddlers are excited, motivated and excited about the big day and what it represents and secretely I believe there may be a little healthy competition between the 2 teams! Cannot wait to be part of this day and race to the finish! |
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Abbotsleigh WannabeesThe Wannabees (our motto “Abbotsleigh staff can do anything”) reflects our position that we are here to win because we want to. We hail from Abbotsleigh school in WahroongaOur team is an eclectic mix of academic and admin staff who paddled to a win in at least one heat last year and we intend to punish our competitors with our team skills. A musician to fine tune the boat, a netballer to attain our goals, a Geography teacher to map our course, an English teacher to explain the rules and a Maths teacher to balance the boat.. Stop talking, sit up and take notice. We are here. |
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Dragons Abreast Australia - InspirationWe are a team of breast cancer survivor paddlers from various Dragons Abreast groups around the country who have come together to share the fun, friendship and enjoyment of being part of this Festival. We gain so much from being members of Dragons Abreast Australia and by raising funds in this way we can help ensure that others who haven't even started their journey yet will be able to enjoy the benefits of DAA into the future. Should we become fit whilst doing this then that's an added bonus! So bring it on as we're ready to go to the beat of the drum!!! |
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St Vincent's CampusThe St Vincent's Campus Team is made of highly enthusiastic Nursing, Medical and Allied Health Professionals dedicated to the care of our patients and to the sport of Dragon Boating. We are looking forward to participating in the 2010 Dragons Abreast Festival and the Hospital Challenge. We are the three times reigning champions and are keen to defend this tittle. See you all on the 31st of October at Darling Harbour. |
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Matraville Sports High SchoolMatraville Sports High School has entered a Womens team of teachers,staff,friends (and if we are lucky 4 of our Senior students).We are keen to hold on to our "Fastest Womens Boat" title from 2009. We are also very passionate about DAA as a Breast Cancer Survivor charity as one of our very own team members is struggling with cancer today.She is a beautiful,kind,generous fun loving person. We want to send her our love and say she will be with us as we paddle our hearts out for her. Her cheers from land will get us over the finish line FIRST!! Go Girls. |
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Colts Ozzie BoxersTwice a week we get up early and put ourselves through Ozzies routines. Usually it's pretty tough. However it's nothing compared to what some people have to endure when they have to confront the big C. I hope you never get it. If you've got it I hope it goes. If you've been through it you're a champion. Thankyou to all our friends and family for your support and for the money that you have given. Now get out there and live life to the full. You only get one crack at it so make it a good one. Hope to see you at boxing one morning. |
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ASG Information CentreAs an Information Centre for the Australian Scholarships Group, the Macquarie team is committed to helping families. It's important that we do as much as possible to support all the families that are affected by cancer in all it's forms. I hope everyone will chip in to make this event a fun day and raise some much needed funds for a worthy cause. A small warning for all the other teams on the day, you may get wet if you get too close to us. Happy paddling and see you at Darling Harbour. |
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Dragons Abreast World TravellersWe are a boat load of paddlers who've travelled or are still travelling with cancer, embracing life as few are priveleged to do. We push the boundaries, reach for the impossible. Our message to those starting out on this sometimes scary journey - you are not travelling alone, we're with you and for you so after all the surgery, Drs and treatment - join us enjoying life to the full. |
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James Squire OzPaddleThe James Squire/Ozpaddle Dragon Boat team is a group of beer drinking and paddling enthusiasts who, after finding the perfect sponsors, began a decades long quest to find a suitable event in which to combine their two loves. If you thought that this was a cold winter, spare a thought for the team who have been waking up early several times a week to be on the water by 6:15 am (!). Their only consolation — they also get to enjoy themselves several times a week at the James Squire Brewhouse. OzPaddle are the Eastern Suburbs' premier kayak fitness group. Situated in Rose Bay, and led by world champion surf ski paddler Tommy Woodriff, Ozpaddle brings the fitness benefits of paddling to all Sydney-siders. The James Squire Brewhouse and Restaurant is conveniently located at Darling Harbour and fresh, modern Australian cuisine is expertly matched with a range of James Squire brews. |
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SSROC DragonsSSROC Dragons is a diverse bunch of workers in councils of the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils area, plus some friends! We're looking forward to quickly discerning the front end of the boat and making it move accordingly . Certainly glad to have 20 in the boat - 18 to give input and 2 to paddle!! All going well, we'll also fit in a few meetings prior to the day ... Some of us have paddled before, others are rearing to give it a go - we can only improve on last year! We're a bunch of children's services, community, library, mapping, road safety, sustainability, and waste experts (plus those friends!) who are all looking forward to having a great laugh while raising dollars for Dragons Abreast Australia. |
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SAN CompressorsSan Compressors are a team made of Radiologists, Radiographers, Sonographers, Pathologists, Admin Staff, Wardsmen and Support people from SAN Radiology at the Sydney Adventist Hospital. We have been a part of the Hospital Challenge now for 4 years. We have won some medals, lost some sunnies, we have even broken a paddle! But this hasn't dampened our spirits as we paddle in a unified effort towards a cause close to our hearts. As a team we find this challenging social event not only fun but also rewarding and uplifting. |
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Dragon's TeethDrilling dragons, we are dentists, dental industry representatives, dental staff and patients. We are going to get our teeth into training and drill a message to as many people as possible about breast cancer awareness. Thank you Dragons Abreast for giving us the opportunity to participate in such a great team sport. |
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Deloitte DragonsSo an accountant, an actuary, and a consultant are sitting in a boat… Is this the start of some kind of joke? No way! This is the Deloitte Dragons!! After fighting off the pouring rain to bring home gold in last year’s regatta, the Deloitte Dragons will be back again this year to add another piece of silverware to the trophy cabinet. After all, last year’s trophy is starting to look a little lonely all on its own. Being our third Dragons Abreast regatta, we know what it takes to be a successful crew. We’ve asked our accountants to draw up a spreadsheet; the actuaries have assessed all the risks; our tax specialists have advised that all donations over $2 are deductible; and the consultants somehow bundled the whole thing into a neat little package and sold it to the rest of the crew. With a formula like that, we'll be pumped, primed and ready to go on 31 October! |
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Go YellowStaff and friends at Cancer Council NSW have entered as GO YELLOW! team to compete at the Dragons Abreast Regatta at Darling Harbour to battle for a trophy against the other 70+ teams. We understand and support the needs of cancer survivors, their friends, families and carers and are happy to help Dragons Abreast Australia's fundraising efforts. We'd also like to WIN a trophy after being rained out last year! We are an energetic, enthusiastic,committed and only slightly experienced team AND we believe supporting women surviving breast cancer is a worthy cause. Please sponsor us and support DAA as well. Come and cheer us on at Darling Harbour - you won't miss our bright yellow shirts! |
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ArupArup is an international engineering consulting firm and their work include the design of the famous Sydney Opera House as well as the design of the Watercube for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Although Arup is an engineering company, as a firm, it puts great value in diversity and people by supporting many charities including Dragons Abreast Australia and encouraging its staff to engage in various charitable activities. Arup has been participating in this regatta for the last few years and is once again ready to take on this challenge and enjoy a good day out! |
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Winners and GrinnersWoo hoo - I was starting to freak out...gee that sound right as we are paddling on Halloween Day!! At last we have a full boat...oh all different type of people which I'm sure we are going to enjoy so much being together as we have families and friends on the boat and some of us have lost our loved ones to cancer and some of them have survived too. So they were keen to get in the boat to fundraise and have some fun!! See you all on the waters. |
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Grant ThorntonGrant Thornton Australia is a member of Grant Thornton International, one of the largest accounting networks in the world. Grant Thornton strives to speak out on issues that matter to business and the wider public interest, to be a bold and positive leader in our chosen markets and within the global accounting profession. Our team is made up of a multicultural group of accountants, IT professionals, marketing executives and secretaries that all enjoy the outdoors and of course a challenge! Raising money for such a worthy cause is the main reason Grant Thornton chooses to enter the Dragons Abreast regatta year after year. We enjoy the festivities of the day and love that we can have such a good time doing such a positive thing for those affected by breast cancer. |
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Halloween DragonsHalloween Dragons has been established to support Dragons Abreast Australia and have fun doing it! Stroke for the side will be Jo Jeffcoat. We are a late entry but will make up for it with intensive training and a healthy injection of steroids and other performance enhancing substances! |
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St George GunnersWe are a mixed team consisting of staff from both St George and Sutherland Hospitals working in oncology - nursing, medical & radiation oncology. While we didn't get a chance to demonstrate our skills on the water last year so we are looking forward to this year’s regatta. This year's team has some experienced paddlers and some newcomers so we are looking to put our best paddle forward - so to speak!! |
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EA DragonsIntimidating the opposition since early 2010, the EA Dragons are an eclectic and enthusiastic bunch of EnergyAustralia staff. EnergyAustralia (EA) owns and operates Australia's largest electricity distribution network, and we have team members from many different parts of the company. One of the reasons that we are proud to be EnergyAustralia staff is EA's great Community Care program, supporting us as we support causes that we care about. So we are thrilled to be raising funds for the inspiring people at Dragons Abreast Australia... and looking forward to getting back on the water for a great day of paddling fun! |
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NSW Parliament Paddling PolliesMoving Forward Paddling in the Same Direction (please allow us the slogan we are pollies after all!) this team from the NSW Parliament is out to paddle in support of those living with breast cancer, and in the process demonstrate that not all politics is adversarial. The team will leave the rampageous atmosphere of The Bearpit behind and paddle to the beat of the same drum as we power up the course at Darling Harbour. In the true spirit of bipartisanship and inclusiveness the Paddling Pollies include Labor, Liberal and National Party MPs flying the breast cancer awareness flag together. This dynamic team utilises not just the talents of those on the front bench of the NSW Parliament, our team boasts a number of impressive back benchers, as well as a few of the everpresent back room boys and girls. And of course no political story is complete without the political journo - we promise not to leave them on the bottom of the harbour! The team may be more experienced at exercising their minds and mouths than their biceps and triceps, however, we are keen and eager to face up to some real competition. Indeed a few of our number will approach this regatta as a warm up for next March, a tough campaign can be their elixir of life. May the best team win. |
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TFS Red DragonsThe TFS Red Dragons comprises a mix of Toyota Financial Services (TFS) staff and family. This is the first time that TFS has entered a team into Dragons Abreast Festival, and while we might be feeling like dragons out of water now, once we learn how to paddle we’re sure we’ll do just fine. It’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t been affected by breast cancer in some way. It’s such an insidious disease. So when the opportunity presented itself to raise funds for the inspirational work that Dragons Abreast does with women recovering from treatment, we jumped on board. Our team comes from a financial background, so we’re really looking forward to applying our skills to raising some money for such a great cause. It’s probably a safe bet that we’ll be better at that than the racing itself. |
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Look Good Feel BetterLike Dragons Abreast we are involved with patients during and after their cancer treatments. Everyone knows that on our "not so good" days if our skin looks and feels good and we can put on some makeup and perhaps a wig, hey we look pretty good and feel a whole lot better about ourselves. With the help of the cosmetic industry who donate products to every single patient going through our programmes together with the help of our wonderful volunteers who run programmes through most hospitals all over Australia we are able to reach out to thousands of patients, women, men and teenagers, and help them to look good and feel better about themselves.....as for our paddling we are sticking to our philosophy - we will look good, we will feel better (when the longest 90seconds of our life is over) AND we will enjoy every minute of it....bring it on. |
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Bluefit HurricanesThe Ladies of Dragons Abreast have truly inspired me to train without complaint to always have a good attitude towards exercise and life. We at Bluefit are priviliged to be part of this great cause. Our motto is Inspiring people to exercise, but also, we would like to inspire our members to better health and a better lifestyle. |
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SAN Maternity BabesSan Maternity Babes are made up of a team of dedicated and professional midwives, and midwives to be. San Maternity has over 2,000 deliveries per year, and were recently awarded the honour of the Best Private Hospital Maternity Unit Australia wide. We have great support from our doctors, paediatricians, nursing director and allied staff. As midwives, we know the value of pushing through the pain, and think this will be to our advantage in our first ever dragon boat race. We're as excited and nervous as any first timers are, and are looking forward to a fun day out. |
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CA TechnologiesWhat's black, white and pink? The CA Technologies team, that's what! A great mix of fit people, ring-ins and fun lovers, the CA team will be sure to have a good time on the day! |
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Sydney IVF Rockets & Sydney IVF JetsSydney IVF is excited to be taking part in the Dragons Abreast Festival for the second year running - this year we have 2 teams eagerly anticipating the races on Sunday 31st - the Rockets & the Jets! Both teams are captained by Sydney IVF's very own Health & Wellbeing Coordinator and personal trainer Peter - we've been training hard in lots of training & exercise classes to get ready for the races! Sydney IVF is regarded as Australia's premier provider for infertility, IVF and other assisted conception treatments. In August 2009 we launched our employee health and wellbeing program - 'good for you‘. Through 'good for you' we like to get involved & support various charity & community initiatives - Dragon Boating with Dragons Abreast is one of those & we have a great time at the festival each year while supporting a great cause! |
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