KOTA KINABALU: The 9th International Dragon Boat Race organized by the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) has attracted over a hundred teams to participate in it.
Disclosing this, FCAS President Tan Sri T.C Goh reckoned that such an encouraging response will once again ignite the Dragon Boat Festival fervor in East Malaysia and Sabah.
He said, as in previous years, over a hundred teams from within and outside the state will converge at Likas Bay here, to take part in the cultural sports carnival. The event is expected to attract thousands of local and international tourists. He asserted that this will not only help to promote traditional Chinese culture, but also contribute to the recovery of Sabah’s tourism industry and economy.
He expressed this in a statement issued today, after leading the organising committee of the FCAS 9th International Dragon Boat Race in the courtesy call on the director of the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department, Abdul Razak Muda here, on Wednesday, to discuss and to brief the latter on the progress of the event. Also in attendance were Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen, FCAS Deputy President cum Organising Chairman of the Event, the three Vice Presidents of FCAS, Kapitan Fung Chun Fatt, David Chan and Chang Jeng Yung, and its Central Committee members Tan Guan Hock and Vice Youth Chief, Regina Ngu
Goh also informed Razak that FCAS International Dragon Boat Race has become a cultural symbol for East Malaysia and Sabah, representing a highly anticipated event that not only showcases dragon boat racing but also serves as a cultural feast that integrates diversity and ignites passion, creating a mesmerising scene that resonates with the unique charm of East Malaysia and Sabah.
He then disclosed that the event will take place from 7th to 9th June this year, with the guest of honor being the Sabah Head of State, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and his consort Toh Puan Norlidah R.M Jasni, and the special guest being the Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Mohd Noor. The various Cabinet Ministers of Sabah too will be invited to attend.
Meanwhile, Wong said that during the said meeting, the organising committee also invited Razak to attend the grand opening of the event. She was also glad to note that Razak promised to provide two maritime rescue teams, two rescue boats, as well as relevant support and resources, to ensure the smoothness of the event and safety of the participants. Besides this, he also pledged to send a team to participate in the race, in support of the event.
She added that the main objectives of FCAS hosting this international event annually is to continue to preserve and promote traditional Chinese culture and the spirit of unity and perseverance embodied in dragon boat racing.
She went on to note that this year’s event features 11 categories with total prize money of RM 94,000. They include the Sabah Governor Cup (Men’s category; 800m), the Sabah Chief Minister’s Cup (Men’s category; 800m), the FCAS International Dragon Boat Race Cup (Mixed category; 800m), the FCAS Cup (FCAS members mixed category; 800m), the FCAS Cup (Chinese Men’s Category; 800m), the Kinabalu Cup (Youth Team), the Kinabalu Cup (Men’s Team), the Kinabalu Cup (Mixed category; 200m), the Kinabalu Cup (Women’s category; 200m), and the Huazong President Cup (for the 13 states Chinese Assembly Halls members mixed category, Mixed category 800m).
She further noted that, following their registration recently, the organising committee has promptly arranged for the various dragon boat teams to undergo training at the Kota Kinabalu Yacht Club, as well as at the Gayang River in Tuaran. Other teams who are keen to participate in the Race can contact the Secretariat, Ms. Regina Ngu, at mobile number: +60 12 411 5534, FCAS Secretariat at mobile number: +60 11 5555 9428, landline: +60 88 253 433, or email: fcasinfo@gmail.com.-pr/BNN
