By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Oct 3: The Sarawak Regatta, where paddlers vie for the illustrious title of Raja Sungai (King of the River), is more than a competition; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Sarawak.
The regatta this year will take place from Oct 27 to Nov 5, lasting for two weeks at the Kuching Waterfront.
It will showcase the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta during the first week, from Oct 27 to Oct 29. The second week will feature the Sarawak Regatta Boat Race, scheduled from Nov 3 to Nov 5.
According to Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP) Sarawak Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the eye-dotting and opening ceremony of the Sarawak Regatta will be held on Oct 28 (Saturday) at 10am and will be officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Seven categories will be competed in for the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta: International Premier Open 22 crews, International Premier Open 12 crews, International Premier Mix 22 crews (10 male paddlers and 10 female paddlers), International Premier Women 12 crews (five male paddlers and five female paddlers), International Premier Mixed 12 crews, International Premier Masters Mixed 40 and above (born 1983 and before) and International Cancer Survivors Race 12 crews.
“A total of 60 teams from 20 countries will participate in the 9th Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta this year with a total of 1,712 rowers participating.
“Over 2,000 visitors from 20 countries will attend. We need to put a stop to it at 20 countries. Actually, there are so many countries that want to join, but we cannot accept all invitations and limit it to 20,” he said at a press conference on the Sarawak Regatta held today at Baitul Makmur II here.
Abdul Karim continued, “But I’m very happy to see that the Sarawak International Dragon Boat is now well-known all over the world, and this is one event in which I noticed that many of them wanted to participate.
“So for this year, the countries that will participate are Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Spain, Brunei, Singapore and Malaysia (Pulau Pinang, Putrajaya, Sabah, and Sarawak).
“Besides that, we will also have new teams joining the Sarawak International Dragon Boat, which are DBKL, Black Dragon Putrajaya, Sepitang Paddlers Sabah, Enraz Cahaya Zen Sarawak, UNIMAS Teguh Bersama, and Imbok Setiaraja Sarawak.”
He went on to say that this year there will be participation from paradragon athletes from Dragon Warriors Singapore, with six visually impaired paddlers, and Black Dragon Putrajaya, with three paddlers with physical disabilities.
“This time, the countries of Qatar, Spain, and Malaysia (Sarawak and Putrajaya) also sent cancer survivors to participate in the Dragon Boat race. All prizes total RM100,000 including trophies and cash,” he added.
Regarding the details of the Sarawak Regatta Boat Race, Abdul Karim stated that the culminating event of the Sarawak Regatta to win the Raja Sungai trophy will take place on Nov 5 (Sunday) and will be witnessed by Head of the State Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Raghad Kurdi Taib.
He also remarked that the winner of Raja Sungai will take home a trophy and cash amounting to RM30,000. All prizes amount to RM252,000 including trophies and cash.
Furthermore, the Tourism Minister noted that during the entire week of the Sarawak Regatta, the Sarawak Kitchen Festival and Borneo Textile Craft Sale will take place from Oct 27 to Nov 5.
“Cultural performances, karaoke performances, a Sarawak Malay Drum Competition, busker performances, and other activities will also be held,” he added.
The sale of entry forms for the event commenced on Sept 18, 2023 at the Sarawak Rivers Board office, located on the second floor of the Electra House Building. The deadline for submitting entries is Friday, Oct 13, 2023, at 12 noon.
The press conference was attended by various dignitaries and officials, including MTCP Sarawak Deputy Ministers Datuk Snowdan Lawan and Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, and MTCP Sarawak permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini. — DayakDaily
