WALKING FOR A GOOD CAUSE… Participants in the Western Region Virtual Challenge concluded their walk with a medal presentation and cheque handover to Cancer Council NSW at Lake Endeavour on Sunday.
Six dragon boat clubs in the western region joined forces in a virtual walk and raised almost $700 for Cancer Council NSW.
A total of 70 participants from Bathurst, both Orange clubs, Parkes, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga took on the Western Region Virtual Walk of 1,648km to all the participating towns and around their respective water ways.
“COVID-19 imposed a lot of restrictions meaning dragon boaters were off the water for a long time. We wanted to do something to keep the clubs involved and connected, stay active, and provide another option to paddling,” said Beth Thomas, Parkes Dragon Boat Club Coach and main organiser of the event.
“There has always been a strong connection between dragon boating and cancer support, particularly women’s cancers, but a lot of men have been affected too so we wanted to support Cancer Council and all cancers.”
Cancer Council Western Region representative Bree Kelly said thousands of Australians were alive because of cancer research made possible by fundraisers such as this one. “Cancer Council is 94% community funded so relies on the community to help fund our world class research, support services, prevention programs and advocacy.”
Parkes Dragon Boat Club presented a cheque of $675.63 to Jo Krats, Cancer Council Western Volunteer, on behalf of the participating teams at Lake Endeavor on Sunday. Participants in the virtual walk came together on Sunday for a medal presentation and enjoyed a paddle together at Lake Endeavour.
DBNSW Western Region Coordinator Deb Clark gave a special thanks to Parkes for organising the virtual walk. “It was a fabulous way to bring clubs together when regattas were off limits. Great achievement!”
Cancer Council NSW thanked dragon boat clubs across the Western Region for their generous contribution and commitment towards a cancer free future.