A dragon boat club full of ladies who’ve first-hand felt the love and support of Breast Cancer Support Services Tauranga is giving back to the charity by taking part in 2024’s 100k’s in 30 Days.

The Boobops’ two dragon boat teams – Moana and Aroha – made up of 53 breast cancer survivors and will take on the New Zealand 100k’s in 30 Days challenge on the waters of Tauranga Harbour this May.

Boobops team member Bridget Prendiville says her team has participated in New Zealand 100k’s in 30 Days – a challenge where people can walk, run, bike, paddle, swim 100km during the month of May to fundraise for the Breast Cancer Support Services Tauranga – since it began in 2022.

The Boobops team that will be going to compete in Italy. Photo: Supplied.

“We support the Breast Cancer Support Services Tauranga because a lot of us have used their valuable services,” says Bridget.

“They are an amazing organisation – and we want other women diagnosed with breast cancer to be able to get the wonderful support and help they offer!”

Powerful and vital

Bridget says Boobop paddlers know exactly how powerful and vital the work of the BCSST is.

“This service is very important as they are there to help women and men in our community successfully navigate the journey of having breast cancer by offering practical and emotional support, hope, encouragement, financial help, meals, oncology massages and a wealth of information and resources.

“The BCSST support workers are women who’ve coped with breast cancer themselves and so they understand the fears and feelings that come with a breast cancer diagnosis and the knowledge and tips they share are invaluable.

"So you’re not having to do it all on your own.”

The whole Boobops team. Photo: Supplied.

Bridget says the 100K’s in 30 Days challenge will also help the Boobops Moana team, who are 2024 national champions, prepare for the 2024 Club Crew World Championships they have qualified for, in Ravenna, Italy, on September 3-8.

“Winter is traditionally our off-season, when we don’t generally go as hard in training – but we do need to keep the intensity up for the world championships.”

Boobops coach Judith Butler has set her team going to Italy a challenge each month to stay focused and fit – for May it’s the Aotearoa 100K’s in 30 Days!

“It will be great to have the challenge of paddling 100km in our dragon boat in May,” says Bridget, who hopes many other groups, workplaces, schools and individuals will also take part in 100K’s in 30 Days. 

The Boobops’ dragon boat teams racing at Lake Karapiro. Photo: supplied.

Register or donate

All you need to do is register, get sponsored and clock 100 kilometres in 30 days – either on foot, on wheels or in the water!

“We’d also love BCSST to get a sponsor – so by us breast cancer survivors getting out and doing this challenge, the public will hopefully support this wonderful charity that strives to make a positive impact in our community.”

To take part or donate to Aotearoa 100k’s in 30 Days, visit: at: https://100ksin30days.nz