Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/85232
Royal Ride QUEEN'S PAGEANT WAS A MAGICAL RIDE FOR BREAST CANCER PADDLERS WORDS BY: MARY MCAVOY The International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission (IBCPC) dragon boat team, Internationally Abreast, paddled in tribute to Queen Elizabeth's sixty year reign when they joined the flotilla of a thousand boats Sunday, June 3rd, 2012 on the Thames in London. The IBCPC www.ibcpc.com, an international organisation whose mandate is to encourage the establishment of breast cancer dragon boat teams within a framework of participation and inclusiveness, supports the development of recreational dragon boat paddling as a contribution to a healthy lifestyle for those diagnosed with breast cancer . Fourteen paddlers were chosen from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and the United States. "I am sure none of us would have believed when we first picked up a paddle that so much would unfold. Never in a million years could you have thought that having breast cancer would lead to being a participant in the glorious spectacle that was the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant," says Mary McAvoy – selected to represent New Zealand along with reserve paddler Deb Stevenson. The global team met for the first time on May 30th. Although from different walks of life, a mix of personalities and age, the bond was instant. Introductions and a welcome from Jane Frost IBCPC Chair left us in no doubt that the key to our week together would be "flexibility" and to be ready for any eventuality. Canadian and Australian television cameras were at the ready to capture our journey as IBCPC world wide ambassadors. Dr Don McKenzie, sports medicine physician at the University of Columbia and 1996 founder and coach of Abreast In A Boat, was at the helm for Internationally Abreast. Dr McKenzie said, "When I launched the first crew of breast cancer dragon boat paddlers, it never occurred to me I would one day be steering a team on the River Thames in this historic celebration. These women have given me one magical ride after another". One short practice on the water at the London Regatta Centre paddling in perfect unison readied us for the Thames. London alive with celebration, gold leaf and red, white and blue, provided a week of adventure and inspiration. Breast Cancer Care UK hosted a Strawberry Tea at the Canadian High Commission for Internationally Abreast and the Canadian and two British breast cancer dragon boat teams who were also to be part of the flotilla. For our final team event, we returned to the Canadian High Commission for a Beacon Lighting ceremony and to capture the Royal Concert. The Pageant - the focus of the jubilee weekend - saw one of the largest flotillas ever on the River Thames. Beautifully decorated dragon boats, working boats, pleasure craft of all shapes and sizes slowly moving down river as bells tolled, music played and whistles blew. The Queen, in the Royal Barge, was surrounded by the flotilla on its thirteen mile course from Hammersmith to Greenwich, travelling under seventeen bridges. Team Internationally Abreast drew the attention of the crowds with the Pageant, attracting a global audience of millions witnessing the celebration of a sixty year call to duty. Her Majesty is truly a credible and glorious inspiration to all women! The day of the Pageant in true British form dawned with showers. Launching at Putney added a further three miles to 'Internationally Abreast's' journey. From the Tower Bridge heavy rain and a strong incoming tide did nothing to dampen the spirits of the paddlers. Joy and exhilaration overcame the cold and wet. As a founding member and paddler for the Wellington CanSurvive breast friends for life I was proud and honoured to be part of this historic occasion. It was the most amazing once in a lifetime experience and truly unforgettable!