Ballina Dragons Meitheal Abhainn Boat Club

Description

Ballina Dragons is a volunteer led group providing a unique holistic and ecological approach to healing all levels of our wellbeing with a specific focus on those affected by cancer treatments, life limiting conditions and supporters through the sport of dragon boating.

We paddle twice per week on the river, weather and tide permitting.
We are inclusive, recreational and welcoming.

We host social events, nights out, fun fundraisers, pool paddles, Pilates for Paddlers and other activities as determine by the members.

We collaborate with other organisation on health promotion events ie Mayo Mental Health, Breast Cancer Ireland, Healthy Mayo, Molloy’s Pharmacy etc.

Each member has so much to offer in different areas of interest. There is a place for everyone and we learn so much from each other. We encourage each other to take a chance and move out of our comfort zones.

Aim of Initiative

The aim of Ballina Dragons is to empower people to regain confidence in their body and themselves through the sport of Dragon Boating

Who is it aimed at

We are open to all adults and our current cohort range from 40 years to 80+years

3 Steps critical to success

1. Inclusion is key. When people feel welcome and encourage they take ownership and grow passion for Ballina Dragons. It also give a huge wealth of skills, knowledge and talents to progress the project.
2. Accountability is also central to success. We have found that our Dragons have flourished when give tasks and challenges as part of the development of this Meitheal Abhainn. All task have been taken on with passion and pride and have been awesome.
3. Connected Respected and Contributing to our world. We all have so much to offer in our community hence the important of actively encouraging each other to reignite our skills, talents and abilities and share same for the benefit of all.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Fundraising
2. Building confidence and skills at a number of levels
3. building capacity within people and Ballina Dragons Meitheal Abhainn

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. reduce loneliness and isolation
2. increase a sense of achievement and value in our selves
3. Be seem as an active and valuable participant in our community