TYT to launch dragon boat race

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Juhar (centre) with, from fourth left, Susan, Goh, Yong, Shim and other FCAS leaders.

Juhar (centre) with, from fourth left, Susan, Goh, Yong, Shim and other FCAS leaders.

KOTA KINABALU: Head of State Tun Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr.) Haji Juhar Bin Datuk Haji Mahiruddin will officiate at the launching cum prize presentation ceremony of the third Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2016 on May 22.

The Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) also accepted Juhar’s advice to commence the opening ceremony earlier at 9.30am to allow ample time for the dragon boat race.

During a courtesy call yesterday, FCAS committee led by its president Datuk Seri Dr TC Goh expressed its gratitude to Juhar for his advice.

Also present at the courtesy call were FCAS deputy president Datuk Jimmy Yong Kyok Ming, vice president cum organizing chairperson Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen, vice president Kapitan Lim Vun Chan, vice president Lee Hing Boo, Youth chief Dennis Gan, Women chief Datuk Agnes Shim, secretary general Datuk Yong Soo Pin, treasurer general Fung Chun Fatt and administration chief Datuk Wong Yit Ming.

Goh and Susan also briefed Juhar on the progress on the dragon boat race and invited the latter to officiate at the opening cum prize giving ceremonies.

In an interview by RTM later, Goh said the preparation work for the dragon boat race was now in full swing.

Although the event is held a month earlier than the previous year, Goh expected to maintain around 100 participating teams this year.

Apart from local teams, Goh said the race had also attracted participants from the east coast, Sarawak and overseas, adding that the official number of participating teams could only be finalized after the registration deadline on May 10.

“The official number will be available around May 15,” he said.

On a related note, Goh said the local Chinese teams had been actively training for the race at Sutera Harbour Marina Club and Kampung Gayang, Tuaran.

FCAS also welcomed the public to the dragon boat race in the morning on May 21 and 22 at Likas Bay.

Visitors will also be entertained by dragon and lion dance performances and guo zong (Chinese dumpling) wrapping competition, among other activities.