The NZ Community Trust has granted the Bay of Plenty Dragon Boat Club $2,000 to help cover the cost of travel and accommodation for our team to attend the Regional and National Championships.

“With increasing costs everywhere, we didn’t want any of our women to miss out on competing due to their financial situation," says team captain, Robyn Grantham.

“Our ladies work so hard through the training season, and for some there is significant financial hardship.

“It’s wonderful to be able to provide accommodation and enable them to be a part of the exciting and often life-changing world of dragon boat racing,” says Robyn.

“As a ‘newbie’ paddler, I was really stoked to be invited to compete and travel with the team,” says 1st season paddler, Rachel Cade.   

“Returning to sport after a long break has been great for me.

“The awesome efforts that go towards fundraising and reducing costs will enable me to continue something I’ve totally fallen in love with, alongside a great bunch of women,” says Rachel.  

Dragon boat racing. Photo supplied.

“We are a competitive women’s dragon boat team based in Sulphur Point, Tauranga, with thirty-seven registered team members who belong to the Bay of Plenty Dragon Boat Club, one of five teams within the Club,” says team secretary Wendy Steere.

“This funding will go towards covering travel and accommodation costs for our squad to attend the Auckland Regional Championships and hopefully qualify for the National Championships in Karapiro.”

Bay Dragons applied to NZCT for funding to assist their women with travel and accommodation costs for the 2024 Regional and National competitions.

These events extend over several days and participating in these competitions is the end product of months of hard work and commitment.

It’s highly empowering for women to compete at the Regional and National levels.

Women able to continue with their passion. Photo supplied.

Staying away from home together as a team cements relationships, bringing team members truly together both on and off the water.

The Bay Dragons team comprises a diverse mix of women of all ages and backgrounds.

Bay Dragons have grown in numbers significantly over the last few years as Dragon Boating becomes more popular.

For some women it’s their first time in a sports team or they may be returning to sport after some years.

Bay Dragons representative says it’s great to see the gains in their fitness, health, and mental well-being over the course of the season.

“NZCT wants all kiwis to be able to take part in and enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation,” says NZCT’s GM Grants, marketing and communications, Ben Hodges.

“We’re delighted to be able to help out these awesome women.

“And thanks to our hospitality partners Cheers Tavern and Judea Tavern for their help in raising responsible and charitable gaming funds that made this grant possible.”