Dragon Boat race to feature in Sarawak Regatta 2013

0

CLOSE-UP OF REGATTA ROUTE: The map showing the two starting points of the boat race, which is from Kampung Pulo to the finishing point and; from Kampung Bintangor to finishing point.

REGATTA MAP: Paul showing the map of the two starting points of the boat race for Sarawak Regatta 2013.

KUCHING: The Sarawak Regatta 2013 will involve 44 boat races to be held from Sept 6 to 8 at the Kuching Waterfront, and will feature a Dragon Boat race among international events.

Head of Technical Secretariat Sapian Salihan also revealed that participation forms for the regatta races are now obtainable at Sarawak Rivers Board’s secretariat office for regatta.

Secretary of Sarawak Regatta 2013 Paul Kawin Pipo said the event organized by the Resident’s Office is one of the main events held in conjunction with the 50th Golden Anniversary of formation of Malaysia.

“The theme of this year’s regatta is ‘Race for Harmony’ which was announced by the Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg on July 5,” Paul told a press conference held at the Sarawak Rivers Board office here yesterday.

“Five of the races will be international events and including a Dragon Boat race and will see participants from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and other Asian countries,” he added.

Paul elaborated that the Dragon Boat race on Sept 7 will be one of the highlights of the regatta.

“On safety measures for the regatta, Marine Police and Bomba will watch water events while on land, they have the Police, civil volunteers and other uniformed bodies. We also have group insurance coverage for these events as precaution for participants,” Paul said.

He also disclosed that the Kuching Waterfront area will be closed to motorists from Gambier Road to Jalan Tun Abdul Razak to ease congestion during the regatta.

Aside from boat races, there will be side attractions like “Brooke Swim”, kayaking and duck catching competitions.

Showing maps to the media, he also revealed the two starting points for the race, whereby Point A is where the boat event will commence at Kampung Pulo, around 2,000 metres to the finishing point. Point B will begin from Kampung Bintangor which is 800 metres to the finishing line, he added.

Sapian added that there will be 17 core events in this year’s regatta and spread over three days.

The regatta will be officiated by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud on July 7 and closed by the Head of State Tun Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng on July 8. Also present at the press conference were deputy Technical Secretariat to Sarawak Regatta 2013 Zehegkiel Piree and representatives from Ministry of Tourism Sarawak.