Monday, April 17, 2006

Labuan getting ready for International Sea Challenge


By Achong Tanjong

The Federal Territory of Labuan - known as the International Garden Island of Borneo, is now ready to welcome international and regional tourists to the island to participate and witness the many activities lined up in conjunction with the Labuan International Sea Challenge 2006, which is scheduled to be held from April 24 to 30, 2006.

The annual event jointly organised by the Tourism Ministry of Malaysia and Labuan Corporation is aimed at encouraging and attracting tourists to the island that combines the benefits of an offshore financial centre with adventure activities, including game fishing and the hunt for the big Merlin.

The island plays a three-pronged role as a duty-free port, international offshore financial centre and a centre for business and commerce. It has also become a shopping paradise for many with a variety of local and imported goods to choose from.

Various sea sports activities will also be held during the upcoming Labuan International Sea Challenge 2006 that also attracts participation from Brunei.

Several individuals and teams from Brunei Darussalam are looking forward to the challenge. Like in the pervious year, Brunei teams are expected to participate in several races that include boat race and kayak.

A group of about 30 youths from the Kg Tanah Jambu Consultative Council is also expected to participate in such events as beach volleyball, beach football, and beach fishing as well as drawing and colouring contest for children and other onshore events.

According to one of the committee members, the group also took part in last year's events.

Other events lined up for the Labuan International Sea Challenge '06 include Rolex IGFA International Fishing Tournament from

April 24 to 30, Labuan International Boat race from April 29 to 30, Cross Channel Swimming Challenge on April 29, Labuan International Extreme Kayak Challenge from April 28 to 29, Round Island Kayak Challenge on April 30, Boat Tug of War on April 28, Exhibition and Sale from April 28 to 30, and other sports activities.

Visitors to the island will also have the opportunity to witness live stage performances from invited Malaysian artistes including Malaysian idol sensation singers Jaclyn Victor, Dato M. Daud Kilau, Saiful Apek, Marsha and many more.

The event will be held during the closing ceremony on April 30 from 8pm at the Labuan International Sea Sports Complex.

There will also be the Battle of the Band, "Bintang 60an" and "Suara Remaja" singing contest.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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