Let's get the party started !!!!

We did not have a practice session today, so must of us did our own thing in the morning.  Three of the team attended the scheduled workshops.  Carmel attended the Laugher is the Best Medicine workshop (seems to be working well so far), Sharon attended the Fueling the Dragon Boater session, and Edith attended the Know Your Team session.  Jo and Rosalie spent most of the day at the IBCPC meeting - a gathering of representatives from all participating teams.  They felt very privileged to listen to a presentation from Dr Don McKenzie.

Then off to the parade and opening ceremony.  The international teams marched first and we were designated as team number 11.  The excitement among the group was obvious as we exited from our "holding bay"onto the street.  We were very well received by the many spectators lining the street, probably because of our green wigs, our singing and our noise.  Our supporters marched with us and it was an amazing experience for all.  The size of the parade was amazing - 2078 paddlers - a seemingly never ending stream of colour, noise and excitement.  The South African team (amaBele Belles) looked amazing in traditional South African dress - they were a huge crowd favourite.

We continued our walk along the main street and made our way into Del Crary Park.  The organisers had done a wonderful job to create a fantastic venue.  Hundreds of chairs on a sea of green grass, facing a stage with a dragon boat adorned with fresh flowers, and surrounded by vendor stalls and an amazing assortment of colour, costumes and people.  After the official opening, we danced on the grass at the front of the stage with our "new friends" from all over the world, and a few of us even made it to the beer tent (can you believe it??). 

Our first race is at 10.15am tomorrow and we are ready and keen to get on the water.

Rosalie and Jo meet Don McKenzie

Waiting for the parade to begin

The parade

 Opening ceremony

South African team