KOTA KINABALU: The first Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2014 is a good platform for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and government departments and agencies to work hand in hand not only to promote Chinese cultural events like the Duan Wu Jie, or Dragon Boat Festival, but also to boost our local tourism industry.
Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) president Dato’ Sri TC Goh said the event was one of the ways to spur local economy, especially with the arrival of international participants for this event in efforts to boost the low tourism season in Sabah currently.
In fact, there are Australian teams who have decided to stay on for a week here despite the dragon boat race being held only for two days.
“We do appreciate the participation of the Australians in this dragon boat race as they have to transit in Kuala Lumpur or Brunei in order to get here.
“I believe through their participation and spending in Kota Kinabalu, we foresee it as one way to boost local tourism,” he said in a press conference here yesterday.
Also present were the organizing chairperson of the race, Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen, race coordinator cum FCAS assistant secretary general Robin Tay Kee Hiong and FCAS Youth chief Dennis Gan.
The dragon boat race will be held at Likas Bay on June 7-8.
In addition, Goh said the federation had used private contribution in completing the mission, that is in organizing the dragon boat race.
“I am confident that after the state government sees the result (of the race), they will be happy to assist us and ensure that the race can be continued every year with their funding and assistance.”
He added that the Chinese communities had received the full support and assistance from government agencies in the race; the Kota Kinabalu City Hall and police force each has sent a team to compete in the event.
On the other hand, Goh informed that members of the public who wanted to go to the dragon boat race could park at Likas Sports Complex and take the free City Bus to the venue to ease traffic congestion at Likas Bay.
Goh said the organizing committee had engaged RELA to ensure security of vehicles at the sports complex.
“There will be three City Bus vehicles travelling between Likas Sports Complex and Likas Bay from 6am to noon on June 7, and 6am to 2pm on June 8.”
The 1st Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2014 will kick off with the sportsmen’s oath taking ceremony at Likas Bay on Saturday, June 7, 7.30am, followed by heats for the various categories.
The highlight on June 7 will be the FCAS Trophy for local Chinese communities association mix teams final race at 9am.
On Saturday evening, there will be a welcoming dinner for all participants starting at 6am. The event will be graced by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun.
The programme for Sunday, June 8 starts at 8am with the final race for Kinabalu Dragon Trophy Men Open, Kinabalu Dragon Trophy Mix team, FCAS Trophy for Chinese Mix teams, Sabah Dragon Trophy for International and Malaysian Mix teams and Kinabalu Dragon Trophy for Junior Boys under 20.
Juhar and his spouse Toh Puan Hajah Norlidah Datuk R.M. Jasni are expected to arrive at 10.15am, after the arrival of Masidi and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman.
There will be 24 Chinese drum performances and zong zi (rice dumpling) offering ceremony to open the event, after which the race continues with Breast Cancer Survivor Trophy, FCAS Trophy for Chinese Men teams, Chief Minister Trophy for Malaysian Men teams and Sabah Head of State Trophy for International and Malaysian Top teams.
The prize presentation ceremony for the winners is expected to commence at noon.