The beautiful lake Karapiro situated 6 kilometres south of Cambridge in the Wapia district in New Zealand is the venue of the 2023 IDCPC Dragon Boat Festival. There can be no more beautiful place than the Southern hemisphere in kiwi land surrounded by green hills known as the Mighty River Domain.
The IBCPC Dragon Boat Festival is held every 3 to 4 years under the auspices of the International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission. More than 30 countries across all continents will participate. The festival is governed by the Aotearoa Wahine Toa Ora Trust (AWTO) and is chaired by the inspirational Mary Gibson and certainly the New Zealand dragon boat association.
Claudio Schermi President of the European Dragon Boat Federation and Vice President of the International Dragon Boat Federation thanked everyone for the invitation and stated that he is not here as the President of the European Dragon Boat Federation nor Vice President of the International Dragon Boat Federation but rather as a team member, a friend, a proud supporter united through one voice spreading the message of hope and inspiration around the world. He addressed the many survivors of breast cancer as an example of strength and perseverance.
Mary Gibson addressed the congress once again with her energy and her deep-rooted passion being inspired and inspiring.
The AIMS family sends their regards to New Zealand and salutes this initiative.