Good turnout expected at Samarahan Regatta

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FINDING FUN IN SPORTS: Karim (seated, third right) with Rodziah on his right and staff of Kota Samarahan Resident’s Office and other departments and agencies after a meeting on the Samarahan Regatta.

KUCHING: Kota Samarahan will be jam-packed over the weekend due to a three-day Samarahan Regatta that starts tomorrow.

The regatta to be held at Sungai Tambirat, Asajaya is also to celebrate Samarahan’s 25th year as a division.

This year’s regatta will offer more attractive prizes compared to the previous one in 2007.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is expected to launch the event at 10am this Saturday while Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Muhammad Salahuddin will grace the closing ceremony on Sunday afternoon.

At a press conference at Kota Samarahan Resident’s Office yesterday, Youth Development Assistant Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said many exciting programmes and activities had been lined up for the three days.

“The boat race will see participants contest in 11 categories. Prizes for this year are much more attractive including trophies and cash totalling RM76,350,” he said.

“This will be a big event as we celebrate the division’s Silver Jubilee. Besides the boat races, we have added many programmes such as exhibition, sales of products as well as cultural and art shows.”

Organiser Abdul Karim said the event is well received
by residents in Kota Samarahan.

“This big event involves many areas including Sebuyau and Kuching. It gives this area a boost in term of economic activities. It is also a platform to unite the people,” he said.

The race comes under various categories including ‘Perahu Bidar’ for 30, 20 and 15 paddlers, ‘Perahu Bidar’ for 20 and 15 mixed paddlers, ‘Perahu Bidar’ 20 VIP paddlers, ‘Perahu Bidar’ 20 paddlers from departments and agencies, ‘Perahu Balok’ 7 paddlers, ‘Perahu Tambang Berdayung’, Unlimited Horse Power Engine and Pump Ski.

Asked to elaborate on pump ski, he said it is similar to jetski but requires better skill.

“Pump ski watersports is getting popular locally. The skier will stand on the ski instead of sit on a jetski. This will be an exciting event,” he said.

The boat race, the main event of cultural importance, will crown the next Raja Sungai Samarahan, won by Pusaka in 2007.

Kota Samarahan Resident Rodziah Morshidi, who was present at the press conference, revealed a total of 219 teams with 3,172 paddlers competing in 11 races.

“The highlight of the regatta this year is to commemorate
this division’s 25 years in existence since 1986,” she said. The celebrations have started since June.

Other significant events include a karaoke competition, Battle of the Bands and Ratu Regatta Samarahan.