Pru Menzies, front, was a Victorian co-ordinator for By Bridget Cook
PRU Menzies considered herself a winner before she won several medals at the Australian Masters Games.
Ms Menzies, customer service manager for Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation, was one of many remarkable women who participated in the dragon boat racing events at the 12th Masters Games.
Ms Menzies, 53, is part of Dragons Abreast Melbourne, racing as the DAMbusters, as their team manager.
The DAMbusters won two silver and two bronze medals at the Masters Games in February, and more recently a gold medal at Melbourne International Dragon Boat Festival, in March.
Ms Menzies said winning the medals was “just a bonus” of the whole experience for her.
She started Dragon Boat racing in 2001 after she survived breast cancer. It is promoted to breast cancer survivors as the consistent upper body movement helps with the physical recovery after treatment.
However, it is the emotional healing Dragon Boat racing has provided Ms Menzies that she has found most rewarding.
Dragons Abreast Melbourne is a national organisation that promotes breast cancer awareness and education through dragon boat racing.
“We all have something in common, so we are able to bond and share experiences and most of all have fun,” she said.
Ms Menzies has previously been a Victorian co-ordinator for Dragons Abreast and helps to promote their principles of participation and inclusiveness.
Ms Menzies said that what she has learnt most from dragon boat racing is “there can be life after breast cancer.”
To get involved with Dragons Abreast contact 1300 889 566 to find your nearest group.
