Gold Coast dragons seek membership increase

By Kevin Mah and Sun Hae Park, Bond University journalism students
 
Twenty people strong and the dragon boats are off and racing in Lake Orr.

But the Gold Coast Dragons are on a mission to recruit more members into the club.

On November 3, they hosted one of a series of six ‘come and try’ events in October and November.

Gold Coast Dragons President Kylie Bade said the events were a way to introduce Varsity Lakes to something foreign.

“It is really just to get people to know about the sport and to try to increase membership as well,” Mrs Bade said.

In the past five years the club has suffered a large loss in membership.

However, the movement to a permanent facility and the ‘come and try’ events are giving more hope of increasing membership.

The events are free because of the club’s grant from Sport and Recreation Queensland.

‘Come and try’ has often proved to be a success, bringing in about 20 to 30 participants.

Varsity Lakes resident Tina Walker has participated in three ‘come and try’ events and is already obsessed with the sport.

“I love it, it is good fitness,” Miss Walker said.

“I did not realise how much it would work every single muscle in my body.

“There is a good social aspect and a lot of camaraderie in it.”
Interested members can contact 0420403087 for more information; there are no restrictions except for being able to hold a paddle.