TAWAU: The Sandakan Fishing Tong Kang Association took the overall championship under the Chinese group category of the 28th Dragon Boat Race 2012 yesterday morning, followed by Federation of Chinese Associations Tawau and Tawau Sunday Hash Harrier in second and third spots respectively.
In the open category, the Fishery Association A emerged as the winner while the first and second runners-up were Tawau Royal Police and Fishery Association B respectively.
The mixed category winner was Tawau Royal Police, Dun Merotai second and Tawau Rela third.
The dragon boat race is organised by the Federation of Chinese Associations Tawau annually in conjunction with the Dumpling Festival.
Guest of honour Brigader General Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah thanked the government for allocating funds to build a permanent stand at Jalan Pesisiran for the annual dragon boat race.
The construction of the stand would be carried out soon.
Liew, who is Gerakan vice-president, also urged all the Chinese community to unite and work closer for the better development of Tawau.
Also present were Federation of Chinese Associations Tawau president Datuk Yong Chi Fui and Tawau Chinese Chamber of Commerce president Datuk Yap Yiw Sin.