NZCT Supports Christchurch's Para-Dragons and Breast Cancer Survivors Teams

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded a grant of $11,836 to the Aotearoa Wahine Toa Ora Trust (AWTO Trust) to purchase forty-four carbon fibre dragon boat paddles, helping establish two new dragon boating teams in Christchurch: The Para-Dragons and Breast Cancer Survivors teams.

Coach Meri Gibson is passionate about the opportunity this team creates for athletes who have had limited sport options. "The Para-Dragons team will be the first ever formed in New Zealand for impaired athletes," says Meri. "There’s incredible potential to develop para-athlete paddling here, and this funding helps us get started much quicker than we anticipated."

The Breast Cancer Survivors Team focuses on younger breast cancer survivors who are often underrepresented in the sport. Coach Meri says "We want to catch young survivors before it's too late to realise how important exercise is in their recovery. The new team will be a welcoming and competitive environment for both male and female survivors."

For many, this is a significant step forward in their sporting journey. “Dragon boating has changed my life. It’s given me focus and the ability to set goals for the first time. To dream. Literally at times. It’s encouraged me to grow past my comfort zone in an unbelievably supportive way” says paddler Charlotte Morrison. “The camaraderie we share is amazing. We’re so excited to be able to get to use these gorgeous carbon fibre paddles in our hands, we know these will enhance our already great paddling ability.”

Andrew Watson, a paddler, praises the sense of community. “This year Meri established the first Rainbow community team in New Zealand right here in Christchurch! I value being part of a supportive group that has shared both trauma and camaraderie and who recognise profoundly how this impacts people's lives. Having somewhere to be active, and a sense of belonging is incredible".

NZCT’s GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, adds, “Sport is a wonderful way to give people a chance to connect, heal, and feel part of something positive. That’s what these teams are all about. We’re delighted the funds we raise through responsible gaming fundraising partnerships with our Christchurch venues make such a positive contribution to the community.”