DRAGON boat teams from around the world took on a royal theme in Canberra yesterday as they raced on Lake Burley Griffin in the 10th annual Dragons Abreast regatta.
Hundreds of competitors from as far afield as the United States and Europe, volunteers and spectators - including Chief Minister and Minister for Health Katy Gallagher - gathered on the shores of the lake in Weston Park for the event, which is a fundraiser for breast cancer groups and cancer charities in the ACT.
''Breast cancer is the most widely diagnosed cancer among women and many of us have been touched by this terrible disease,'' Ms Gallagher said.
''The annual dragon boat challenge is a vibrant and enthusiastic way to bring attention to the issue of breast cancer in our community.
''The positive attitudes of the competitors and the support of the spectators make this celebration of breast cancer survivors a joyful day.''
Featuring a royal flavour this year, about 850 paddlers from government departments, embassies, hospitals, schools and other organisations competed in the charity race.
Dragons Abreast, part of the umbrella organisation Breast Cancer Network Australia, raised $35,000 at last year's regatta.
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