IBCPC Festival France – August 2026

Dragons Abreast Australia is honoured to represent our nation at the 5th International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission (IBCPC) Festival, taking place from 24–31 August 2026 in the beautiful lakeside town of Aix-les-Bains, France.

This inspiring global event will welcome 141 teams and approximately 4,500 participants from around the world — coming together to celebrate survivorship, strength, and the incredible power of community through dragon boating.

 DAA at the Festival

This year, Dragons Abreast Australia (DAA) will proudly field a total of 21 teams on the international stage:

• 6 DAA Composite Crews:
  Hope, Unity, Spirit, Thrive, Connect, Inspiration — paddlers from across Australia, coming together as one.
• 15 DAA Club Teams:
  Representing their local communities and bringing their unique energy and pride to the pink and teal — from Queensland to Western Australia, and everywhere in between.

Together, these teams carry the values that define Dragons Abreast: resilience, empowerment, inclusivity, and a shared passion for life beyond breast cancer. Whether they’re paddling as a club or part of a composite crew, every team member will be an ambassador of strength and hope.

 About the Venue

Nestled between the Alps and historic thermal springs, Aix-les-Bains offers a stunning setting for the festival. Races will take place on the iconic Lac du Bourget, the largest natural lake in France—a magnificent backdrop for this global celebration of paddling and survivorship.

 Why the IBCPC Festival Matters

For DAA, the IBCPC Festival is more than a regatta. It is a powerful reminder of the unifying force of dragon boating and its role in breast cancer recovery and awareness. The festival gives us the opportunity to:

• Celebrate the courage and liveliness of breast cancer survivors
• Honour loved ones we have lost, and those still paddling their paths
• Build international connections and inspire others through movement
• Share our voice in the global conversation on wellness and survivorship

 Event Snapshot

Dates: 24–31 August 2026

Location: Aix-les-Bains, France

Events: 200m & 500m Races (BCS Division)

Festival Highlights: IBCPC Celebration of Life, mass paddle, closing parade, cultural exchanges

With 21 teams strong and paddles ready, DAA is making waves on the world stage—reminding the globe that survivorship is powerful, joyful, and bound by community.

Together, we paddle. Together, we thrive.