Thursday, August 31, 2006

Tough battles expected at this year’s Sarawak Regatta

KUCHING: The Sarawak Regatta, which was first held in Sarawak River here in 1872, will see a tough battle among nearly 260 boats, beginning tomorrow.

Teams from Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and Dubai will compete in the tourist category and alongside with the locals in the open category.

Besides the long boat races, there are power boat and kayak races in the three-day annual event, which is expected to attract thousands of city folks and tourists to the waterfront.

State Assistant Minister for Tourism Hamden Ahmad said four challenge trophies were up for grab in the event on theme “Game of Peace.”

These trophies are sponsored by the Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri (for long boat - 30 paddlers), Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd (VIP - 20 paddlers), Telekom Malaysia Bhd (long boat - 20 paddlers) and Tourism Malaysia (travel agents/hotels - 20 paddlers).

Prize money of over RM145,000 is awaiting the winners in the state’s richest and grandest annual water game.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who is here for the 49th Merdeka Day parade, is expected to launch this tourism calendar event.

The Sarawak Regetta was held to herald the new year during the Rajah Brooke era, and it has a distinct historical and cultural significance.

Source: The Star

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