Zontians from New Zealand formed a 15-member team for a Dragon Boating Team Paddling in Orange for Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women. Members came from the Zonta clubs of Christchurch-Canterbury, South and North. The team practiced in orange so that any team practicing could see them.

The team had their first Regatta, where they put their tent up among 17 other tents, with the Zonta flag and an orange lady. Their goal is to get exposure for this campaign.

Amongst the 17 teams, about 400 participants in total, the Zonta team was the only one to have paddled five times. At every 3x200m and 3x500m race, all the participants yelled, “Go, Zonta!”

Just walking to the pontoon to race, and after the race, walking back to the tent, they were doing the same. The team found the atmosphere exciting.

Although the team came in last at every race, the Breast of Life Women’s team gave them a guard of honor with their paddles at the lace race. The gesture deeply moved them.

The team was overwhelmed with the exposure and support for Zonta.
They saw the impact their presence had at the Regatta by just getting out there in the community doing the race, having fun fellowship and promoting their cause. They were the only team in bright orange, and a comment was that they couldn’t be missed, and people were asking what is Zonta.

The team has future Regattas coming up to further promote the Zonta Says NO campaign, and they will be paddling until March.