HDC paddlers receive cash incentives

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KUCHING: Team members of Team Keris Terbang and Team Ongbak which represented the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) at the just concluded 2012 Sarawak Regatta, received a total of RM16,300 as a token of gratitude from HDC yesterday.

Handing over the cheque to the teams during an appreciation luncheon was Pantai Damai state assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and HDC chairman Datuk Dr Abang Rauf Abang Zen.

Dr Abdul Rahman said that these teams have shown tremendous commitment during practice and training.

They had never given up hope until the big day, he pointed out.

“With this sort of commitment and extensive training, it would not be impossible for any one of our teams to become ‘King of the River’ next year,” said Dr Abdul Rahman.

He added that for any of teams from HDC to become the overall champion next year would be “extra meaningful” as 2013 marks Sarawak’s 50th anniversary of the formation of the Malaysia federation.

Dr Abdul Rahman also said that 2013 would be a year of buzzing activities and the annual Sarawak Regatta would be held on a much bigger scale.

He also said that training for the regatta, in a way would transform the community especially the youths.

“Besides having a healthy body, youths who trains hard would also have a healthy mind,” said Dr Abdul Rahman.

Meanwhile, Dr Rauf said that unlike the olden days when the regatta is used to iron out disputes, today’s regatta is more towards competition and pride.

Representing HDC in the 2012 Sarawak Regatta was team Keris Terbang from Kampung Bintawa Tengah and Team Ongbak from Kampung Sungai Maong.

The teams emerged champions in the 15 paddlers bidar category, seven paddlers balok category and 10 paddlers balok (women) category.

They were also the runner-ups in the 30 paddlers bidar category, 20 paddlers inter-division category (representing Sibu) and third place in the 30 paddlers bidar tourism agency category.