Ting (left) performs the dragon eye-dotting ceremony in front of the Tua Pek Kong Temple. At second left is Yung.
SIBU: Sibu Martial Arts (Quanshu) Association (SMAA) is aiming for at least a podium finish in the 2nd edition of the Sarawak Luminous Dragon Dance Championship to be held in Betong on Nov 28.
Its chief coach Gilbert Wong has reason for his reservations, especially when the majority of the pugilists are new and raw faces.
“Only three out of the 16-member team are seasoned dancers. Nevertheless, the team is pumping in effort at its gym nightly in order to come back with a respectable result,” he told reporters after the eye-dotting ceremony of a new dragon held at Tua Pek Kong Temple yesterday morning.
SMAA honorary adviser Ting Chong Ting officiated at the occasion which was witnessed by SMAA president Yung Dah Loo.
A total of seven teams from throughout the state will be taking part in the championship initiated by Sarawak Dragon Lion Dance Wushu Association and organised by Betong Wushu Association.
Besides SMAA, Sibu is also sending another team from Guang Ming Citizen School. Kuching is sending four teams while Miri is sending one team.
On the newly acquired dragon, Wong said it was imported specifically for the competition.
“A brand new dragon can deliver more flexibility during performance,” he explained. — by Philip Wong