The Rainbow Region Dragon Boat Club will take to the water alongside almost 50 clubs from across Australia this Sunday September 18, as part of a national Pride paddle to encourage participation from the local LGBTQIA+ community.
The Lennox Head and Ballina-based club’s Pride Come and Try session is all about being visibly inclusive Club Captain, Brooke Harris said.
‘Most people feel nervous embarking on something new, worrying whether they’ll fit in but for people in the LGBTQIA+ community it can be harder because of past experiences of homophobia they’ve endured. I love that our club and sport are joining ‘Pride in Sport,’ she said.
The Rainbow Dragons have been based at Lennox Head since 2005 and will open their doors to all community members as part of the event.
Australian Dragon Boat Federation Director of Inclusion and Diversity, Dr Ruth Bollard, says this event is a key step for the sport.
‘Over the past two years we have joined Pride in Sport and Diversity Council Australia, and reached out to our community for their thoughts and experiences. Overwhelmingly, our members support diversity. Dragon Boat is a sport for everyone, just as they are,’ she said.
The event will run from 9am – 11am at 26 Endeavour Close, Ballina. Members will ‘bring a plate’ to enjoy at a post-paddle brunch. Wear comfortable sports clothes including covered shoes, bring a water bottle and sunscreen (www.ausdbf.com.au/events1/pride/).
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