KOTA KINABALU: The 7th FCAS International Dragon Boat Race was officially launched by Tan Sri T.C Goh, President of the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) who is also Chairman of the Race, in a simple ceremony held at the Sutera Harbour Resort’s Marina Club here, on Saturday.
Also present at the occasion were the Organising Chairman of the Race, Datuk Susan Wong, FCAS vice president, Kapitan Fung Chun Fatt, Secretary-general Datuk Yong Soo Pin, and various members of the organising committee.
The said ceremony was essentially a symbolic gesture to invoke the spirit of the Chinese mythical creature, the dragon, which the Chinese believed is residing in the ocean, and to seek for its blessing for a smooth and successful organising of the dragon boat race, this year. Besides this, the ceremony also aimed to give moral support to the participating teams.
In his brief speech, Goh said he was glad that after two years of hiatus due to Covid-19 pandemic, FCAS finally gets to resume organising of the annual race this year, following the government lifting of most of the restrictions previously imposed on socioeconomic activities, recently.
“We are glad that this year we are able to celebrate the annual Duan Wu Dumpling Festival, as in pre pandemic time; this also allows us to share the noble values of national unity and patriotism inculcated in this intangible Chinese cultural heritage, with fellow Malaysians of various races, and tourists from all over the world who are visiting Sabah during the festival,” he said.
Goh who is also a member of the Sabah Economic Advisory Council (SEAC) continued that besides promoting Chinese culture, the organising of the dragon boat race also aimed to promote healthy lifestyle among the people, at the same time boosting Sabah tourism industry and economy.
“Every year, the dragon boat race managed to attract many foreign participants and tourists, and this has significantly boosted the state economy,” he pointed out.
He also acknowledged that, with strong support from the state government and the state tourism ministry, as well as the community all these years, the FCAS International Dragon Boat Race has become a significant cultural event that is listed alongside the other cultural festivals in the state, such as Christmas, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Harvest Festival, and Chinese New Year celebrations.
The 2022/7th FCAS International Dragon Boat Race will be held on 2nd and 3rd July, and besides a host of interesting side events like dumpling wrapping competition, it will also feature a 7-km sunset run to make it even more fun-filled.
Both domestic and overseas participants who are keen to partake in the Race can always contact FCAS Secretariat at: 088-253433, or Terry Tsen (017–8596674), for registration. The closing date for registration is on 15 June, 2022.-pr/BNN
