5th FCAS International SabahDragonBoatRace on May 11-13

KOTA KINABALU: The fifth Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2018, organized by the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS), will be held at Likas Bay on May 11 to 13 with a total cash prize of RM93,000.

Two new categories will be created this year, namely the FCAS Trophy (800 metres) for associate members of the federation, and the Kota Kinabalu Mayor Cup (800 metres).

Both categories come with RM3,000 for the first prize, RM2,000 and RM1,000 for the second and third prize respectively.

FCAS president Tan Sri Dr T.C. Goh, JP said the federation has increased the total cash prize to RM93,000 this year from RM81,000 last year with the two new categories.

He said a total of 102 teams, including participants from China, Singapore, Philippines, Hong Kong, Brunei, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, joined the race last year.

“We hope to see more participation this year,” he said in a press conference here yesterday.

Goh said Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai would extend invitations to Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) and local government teams to participate in the Kota Kinabalu Mayor Cup category.

Meanwhile, organizing chairperson Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen, who is also the vice president of FCAS, said the final race day would be held on May 13, Sunday.

Continue reading at: 5th Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race on May 11-13

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‘Sayang Lawas’ bags main title in Sabah International Dragon Boat Race

KOTA KINABALU: Sarawak’s Sayang Lawas crossed the finishing line ahead of six other teams to clinch the 4th Sabah Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) International Dragon Boat Race main title at the Likas Bay in Tanjung Lipat, near here, on Sunday.

The neighbouring state’s dragon boat team finished the 800m sprint in a time of 3 minutes and 48.66 seconds to take home the Sabah Head of State Trophy plus the RM10,000 main cash prize.

Brunei representatives, Pasukan Lumba Perahu Mukim Saba Brunei Darussalam (3m 49.8s) and Pasukan Lumba Perahu Lela Cheteria (3m 50.21s) had to settle for second and third places, respectively.

Sayang Lawas also managed to add a second title to their name in the tournament’s fourth edition by successfully defending their Men’s Open 200m Race (12 crews) title earlier in the day after clocking 58.14 seconds.

They edged out closest challenger, Seri Pahlawan Brunei Muara Team (59.03s) by nearly a second while third place went to Ulmala Dragon Boat Team A after it finished 0.17 seconds above the one minute mark.

The Sabah Chief Minister Trophy (Malaysian Men Teams) was won by Rabbana Dragon Boat Team A while Remaja Rukut Rukut Lok Bo Eh Tuaran defended their Kinabalu Dragon Trophy (Local Boys under 20) title won last year.

Continue reading at: ‘Sayang Lawas’ bags main title in Sabah International Dragon Boat Race

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4th Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2017 on May 14

KOTA KINABALU: Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia will be attending the 4th Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2017, on May 14, as the event’s special guest.

Pandikar accepted the invitation from the organizing committee during a courtesy call on him at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) on his arrival from Kuala Lumpur.

The organizing committee was led by Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) president Datuk Seri Panglima TC Goh.  Also present was FCAS vice first president and the event’s organising chairlady Datuk Susan Wong.

The international sporting event organised by FCAS targets to register 120 teams from Malaysia as well as neighbouring countries.

Goh said last year the event saw participation from 112 teams.

“We have been granted financial support from the Sabah state government but we also wish that the federal government could give us some financial support too because this event is an international sports event.

“This year, we welcome more international teams to take part in the event which is also an opportunity for non-Sabahan participants to experience the unique nature tourism in Kota Kinabalu,” he said.

Continue reading at: 4th Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2017 on May 14

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Full Sabah govt support for International Dragon Boat Race 2016

KOTA KINABALU: The State Government will fully support the third Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2016 despite the call for prudent spending, said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun.

Masidi said the Malaysian Tourism and Culture Ministry has resorted to slashing its expenditure this year by substantially reducing various allocations. Likewise, the State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry has also taken prudent measures on its resources, he said.

However, Masidi assured that the State Government would render its support to the dragon boat race, as organizing the event involved large manpower, funds and various resources.

“The dragon boat race is a major event for the local community. The dragon boat race is not only a Chinese traditional event, it has gained the attention and participation from local bumiputeras,” Masidi said, during a courtesy call by the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) committee led by its president, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. T.C. Goh.

Also present were Sabah Tourism Board (STB) general manager Gordon Yapp, FCAS vice president cum organizing chairperson of the dragon boat race Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen, and vice president Datuk Agnes Shim.

Goh briefed Masidi on the progress of organizing the dragon boat race and the event itinerary.

He thanked the government for its support, adding that the federation would do its level best to ensure the success of the event.

Meanwhile, Wong said FCAS has adopted the suggestion to hold the event in May in conjunction with the Harvest Festival celebrations in Sabah in order to showcase our colourful cultural activities to tourists.

The third Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2016 will be held at Likas Bay on May 21-22. More than 100 teams are expected to compete in the event.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Full Sabah govt support for International Dragon Boat Race 2016

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Sabah International Dragon Boat Race to be held earlier this year

KOTA KINABALU: The third Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2016 will be held in May with a total of RM74,000 cash prize to be won.

The race will be held at Likas Bay on May 21 and 22 from 6am to 1pm.

Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) president cum event chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Dr T.C. Goh said the federation had set a target to attract 120 teams to join the race this year, which was an increase from 117 participating teams last year.

“We have had inquiries from Shanghai and Xiamen (in China), while a team from Foshan have confirmed their participation,” he said at a press conference here yesterday.

Meanwhile, organizing chairlady Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen said the federation had decided to bring the dragon boat race forward from June to May for the first time this year with the aim to support the state government’s effort in promoting the tourism industry.

“By holding the race at the end of May, international and domestic contestants will have the opportunity to join and experience the Harvest Festival celebrations in the state.

“This will not only showcase the unique culture of Sabah, but also spur the state’s tourism industry and economy.”

Furthermore, Wong said many international dragon boat races were held in June, thus holding the third Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race at an earlier date would avoid clashes on race days, thereby attracting more participation, especially foreign teams.

“To date, many local, Sarawakian and West Malaysian teams, as well as those from Foshan and Xiamen, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Brunei, and Australia have expressed their interest in joining the race.

“FCAS hopes more foreign teams will take part in the dragon boat race this year and make the event a success.”

The dragon boat race is divided into nine categories, including the coveted Sabah Head of State Trophy for international and top Malaysian men teams (800 metres) that comes with RM10,000 for the champion, RM5,000 for the first runner-up and RM2,000 for the second runner-up.

Other categories are the Sabah Chief Minister Trophy (Malaysian men teams, 800m), Sabah FCAS Dragon Trophy (international and Malaysian mix teams, 800m), FCAS Trophy (United Sabah Chinese Community Associations of Kota Kinabalu constituent members, 800m), FCAS Trophy (Malaysian men team, 800m), FCAS Trophy (mixed teams, 800m), Kinabalu Dragon Trophy (junior teams under 20 years old, 800m), Kinabalu Dragon Trophy (international and Malaysian men teams, 200m) and Kinabalu Dragon Trophy (mixed teams, 200m).

All the winning teams will receive medals as well.

Wong informed that registration for the dragon boat race is now open and the deadline is May 10, 2016.

Continue reading at: Sabah International Dragon Boat Race to be held earlier this year

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Higher prizes for Sabah International Dragon Boat Race

KOTA KINABALU: The total cash prize for the Sabah International Dragon Boat Race has been increased from last year’s RM47,750 to RM80,000 this year.

Organising chairperson Datuk Susan Wong said the event this year, which is held in conjunction with the dumpling festival, expects the participation of more than 112 teams.

Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, Susan said the Sabah International Dragon Boat Race, organised by the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS), will be held at Likas Bay here from June 13 to 14

FCAS has again been entrusted with the responsibility of organising this event, she said, and expressed hope that the number of participants for this year will increase, as compared to last year.

“Last year, our inaugural dragon boat race attracted 112 teams, including foreign participants from Singapore, Brunei, Australia and the Philippines. This year, there will be participants from China,” she said, adding that they have contacted Guangdong Province’s Guang Zhou City, Huizhou City, Qingyuan City, Dongguan City, Foshan City, Jiangmen City, Taishan City and Hubei Province’s Wuhan City.

The prize money for the various categories now are the Sabah Head of State Trophy – RM10,000/RM5,000/RM2,000, the Sabah Chief Minister Trophy – RM4,000/RM2,000/RM1,000, the Sabah FCAS Dragon Trophy – RM8,000/RM4,000/RM2,000, the FCAS Trophy (USCCA, Mixed Team) – RM3,000/RM2,000/RM1,000, the FCAS Trophy (Men’s Team) – RM3,000/RM2,000/RM1,000, the FCAS Trophy (Mixed Team) – RM3,000/RM2,000/RM1,000, the Kinabalu Dragon Trophy (Junior Team) – RM3,000/RM2,000/RM1,000, the Kinabalu Dragon Trophy (Men’s Team) – RM3,000/RM2,000/RM1,000, the Kinabalu Dragon Trophy (Mixed Team) – RM3,000/RM2,000/RM1,000 and the Breast Cancer Survivor Trophy – RM3,000/RM2,000/RM1,000.

Susan also announced that the registration fee for this year’s dragon boat race has been increased from last year’s RM200 to RM300.

She disclosed that only the Sabah Head of State Trophy, Sabah FCAS Dragon Trophy, Breast Cancer Survivor Trophy, Kinabalu Dragon Trophy (Men’s Team), and Kinabalu Dragon Trophy (Mixed Team) are open to international teams.

The local Malaysian teams will participate in the Sabah Chief Minister Trophy and the Kinabalu Dragon Trophy (Junior Team) 20 years old and under. Besides this, there is also a special category for the Kota Kinabalu Chinese Community Associations, under the FCAS Trophy.

Continue reading at: Higher prizes for Sabah International Dragon Boat Race

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Over 100 teams for Sabah dragon boat race

KOTA KINABALU: Over 100 local and international teams are expected to participate in the first Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2014 at Likas Bay on June 7-8.

Head of State Tun Juhar Mahiruddin will also grace the occasion on June 8 as the guest of honour.

Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) president Dato’ Sri Dr T.C. Goh said 94 teams have confirmed their participation, which exceeded the 75 number of participation in the previous dragon boat race last year.

“We expect seven more teams to register. We are confident that our international dragon boat race will exceed 100 teams,” he said in a press conference here yesterday.

Of the 94 teams, 13 are international participants who come from Brunei, Singapore, the Philippines and Australia.

Asked why there was no participation from China, Goh said it was due to time constraint as the federation was only given two months to organize the event upon its appointment as the race organizer by the State Government in March this year.

Nevertheless, he said FCAS would invite dragon boat teams from China to participate in the race next year, which was tentatively set on June 13-14, 2015, subject to confirmation.

He said the lack of participation from China was not due to the missing Malaysian Airlines (MAS) flight MH370.

In addition, Goh confirmed that the first Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2014 scheduled to be held on June 7-8 this year would take place as announced earlier.

He was responding to Sabah Chinese Cultural Association’s (SCCA) statement that the 29th Sabah Dragon Boat Race that was supposed to be held at Likas Bay on June 7-8 this year has been cancelled.

In the statement issued on Monday, SCCA apologized for the cancellation of the 29th Sabah Dragon Boat Race, which the association had initiated and organized for the past 28 years since 1986.

SCCA said the State Government had proposed to co-organize the dragon boat race with the association in 1990 to promote mutual understanding and tolerance among different races, and the State Government had agreed to bear all expenses.

Since then, the event has been co-organized by SCCA, Youth and Sports Ministry and the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry until 2013.

According to media reports, the State Cabinet had accepted the proposal by the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry on March 12 this year to appoint FCAS to organize the dragon boat race.

SCCA contended that they had not been consulted when FCAS passed a resolution to apply for the organizing rights of the dragon boat race from the State Government on June 30 last year, nor was SCCA informed when the assets of the race, including dragon boats, were handed to FCAS on March 31 this year.

In response to this, Goh said the organizer had received a number of calls asking if the dragon boat race has been cancelled.

“The first Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2014 on June 7-8 has never been cancelled and we are here to confirm that no less than 100 teams will be participating in the race,” he said.

He reiterated that FCAS was appointed by the State Government to organize the dragon boat race and the federation had named the event as the first Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2014.

“Those who appointed us also handed us dragon boats, life jackets, paddles as well as gave us full support in terms of financial and manpower,” said Goh.

The assets received from Sabah Tourism Board (STB) included 20 units of dragon boats, 20 units of drums, 400 pieces of life jackets, 400 pieces of paddles, 20 pieces of steerer oars, 20 dragon heads, 20 dragon tails and 20 IDBF licences for the dragon boats, all of which amounted to RM684,000.

Although the assets were purchased by the State Government, SCCA argued that they ‘belonged’ to the Sabah Dragon Boat Race Committee, and thus should not be handed over to a third party at discretion.

To this, Goh said the assets were handed over to the federation by STB but it was not the federation’s responsibility as to where STB obtained the assets.

On the safety aspect, Goh assured that all dragon boats, paddles and life jackets were kept by a contractor with licence for ship building.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Over 100 teams for Sabah dragon boat race

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Sabah gears up for major events

INTERNATIONAL DRAW: State to host sport meets, cultural and music festivals throughout 2013

KOTA KINABALU: THE Sabah Golf Masters Tournament kicked off the state's international premier sporting events lined up for this year.

The prestigious tournament, which started on Wednesday and ended yesterday, saw 144 professional and amateur golfers throughout Southeast Asia competing for the top prize of RM226,537.

Held at the Sutera Harbour Golf Course, the tournament was aired on ESPN Star Sports and other channels in the region.

Attractive prizes await local and international dart enthusiasts at the 8th International Sabah Open Dart Tournament from March 1 to 3, held in conjunction with the city's 13th anniversary celebration.

The four-day Paragliding Accuracy World Cup Sabah will once again bring paragliders across the globe to Lohan Hill in Ranau on March 27.

This event is part of a world tour organised by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale and will be set against the beautiful view of Mount Kinabalu.

Another prestigious event, the KoKol International Paragliding Race, will bring paragliding aficionados to the naturally preserved Kokol hill from Sept 16 to 18.

The Sabah Adventure Challenge , to be held from March 29 to 31, is back to push athletes to their limits with two events -- the Adventure Race and Ultra Marathon.

The Adventure Race will see teams completing 150km of mountain biking, trail running and tyre tubing, while the Ultra Marathon involves 75 km of trail running by solo participants.

Another marathon, dubbed the Borneo International Marathon, is also set to attract running enthusiasts to the state capital on May 5.

It encourages non-runners to take part in the long-distance running event by signing up as photographers, volunteers and cheerleaders.

On June 15 and 16, tourists can experience the excitement at the Likas Bay as local and international teams race towards the finish line at the 28th Sabah Dragon Boat Race.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sabah gears up for major events
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Sabah Dragon Boat race attracts thousands

KOTA KINABALU: For the thousands who thronged to watch the 26th Sabah Dragon Boat race, they were either weekend day out for the family or to provide moral support to the participants.

Vehicles were parked on the roadsides stretching from the City mosque at Likas up to the roundabout at Jalan Istiadat.

Despite the area already being jam-packed with hordes of people, latecomers were not even deterred by the sheer number of people present and were determined to witness the annual dragon boat race.

The event was officiated by the Head of State Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Hj Juhar Hj Mahiruddin.

Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai representing the Chief Minister, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir, Sabah Tourism Promotion Board chairman Dato’ Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin and Sabah Chinese Cultural Association (SCCA) president Datuk Chau Tet On.

Those who participated in the dragon race, the title was fought not only for the team, but for the honour of the districts they represented and that of their families.

Ruwan Salim, 26, has in the past years participated in the teenager category and was at the scene yesterday to give his undivided support to the team from Kampung Giling, Tuaran. The team was vying for the Chief Minister’s Trophy.

Ruwan and his family attend the event every year without fail and were blissfully enjoying themselves watching the races and having a picnic at the same time.

“Many of our Bajau people from Mengkabung came (for the dragon boat race) and we have many relatives here too.”

Although the dragon boat race is traditionally a Chinese culture, the sport has attracted other members of other races to take part.

Continue reading at: Sabah Dragon Boat race attracts thousands
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Sabah Dragon Boat Race returns in June

KOTA KINABALU: The annual Sabah Dragon Boat Race is back for its 26th edition at Likas Bay here on June 18 and 19.

The Sabah Tourism Board, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary company, Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd and the Sabah Chinese Cultural Association (SCCA), continue to be at the forefront in organising this event as one of the State’s premiere events in order to promote the diverse culture found in Sabah as well as marketing the State as a preferred holiday destination.

Besides being popular among local teams, the Sabah Dragon Boat Race has also caught the attention of participants from other states in the country and also international teams.

Among the teams expected to participate are from Sarawak, Labuan, Penang, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia and Brunei Darussalam.

The organisers would like to urge participation from teams from the private sector such as banks, airlines and hotels, and also non-governmental organisations, in the event.

Dragon boating is an ideal platform for team building because it involves teamwork and discipline, other than being a fun activity.

Continue reading at: Sabah Dragon Boat Race returns in June
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Sabah Dragon Boat Race - A silver jubilee augurs well

The Chinese dragon boat race has taken the world by storm

The 25th Sabah dragon boat race on June 19 and 20 was a double joy. The silver jubilee race had the most number of participants:1,900 in 78 teams, five of them foreign. And though the number is less than half of Sweden’s, Europe’s biggest, it has been celebratory.

The Sabah race has to compete with bigger and more prestigious races around the world such as those in China, Hong Kong, Europe and Canada which are held at the same time every year in June; not forgetting the 1Malaysia international dragon boat race at Putra Jaya on the peninsula. Its first race in 1986 had about 30 local teams to mark a traditional Chinese Duanwu dumpling festival before it became a tourism event that courted foreigners two years later.

The prize money is small. Yet the enthusiasm is immense. A crew of 44 of the Sandakan Fishing (Tongkang) Association won races in the men’s and mixed events which gave them 5,000 ringgit ($1,500) in total prize money. But the association has spent more than 14,000 ringgit on airfares and hotel accommodation, according to team manager Bartholomew Pang.

Yet, it has never missed a festival race. Last year it took part in China’s second biennial Minxi Shanghang festival and finished 8th out of 12 teams.

“It’s our way of keeping our culture alive,” says Lee Fung Mei, 16, the youngest participant of the race. “I like the race because it is tough and challenging.”

It is for this reason that the dragon boat race has been included in this year’s Asian Games at Guangzhou, China, from November 12 to 27. It has become the fastest growing water sport in more than 60 countries since the International Dragon Boat Federation was formed 25 years ago to regulate the race.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Sabah Dragon Boat Race - A silver jubilee augurs well
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Sabah Dragon Boat Race - Farmers No.1 in boat race

KOTA KINABALU: Despite only training for two weeks, a group of farmers from the Farmers Federation of Tuaran managed to beat five other heavyweights to grab the biggest prize at the 24th Sabah Dragon Boat Race.

Team leader Jamaluddin Ibrahim, 37, said although the team had started training in earnest just two weeks before the competition day, their natural ability and teamwork managed to give them the edge.

The team edged out runners-up Terayung by a mere 0.01 seconds to land the Sabah Head of State's trophy.

The team of 20, aged between 20 and 43, won the cup last year and came in second in 2007.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Sabah Dragon Boat Race - Farmers No.1 in boat race
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Sabah Tourism Upcoming Event: 24th Sabah Dragon Boat Race

Date: 20 & 21 June 2009

Venue: Likas Bay, Kota Kinabalu

Fast and furious dragons glide over the South China Sea to the pounding of drums this June during the 24th Sabah Dragon Race. The Dragon Boat Festival or Duan Wu, which originates from China and dates back to the 4th century, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. This is when the Chinese pay homage to their ancestors and appease the Dragon (Controller of the Water) to ensure adequate rainfall to ripen their crops. The race also commemorates the Chinese poet and countryman, Qu Yan who threw himself into Milo River to commit suicide. People began to row out in boats to search for his body and they threw rice dumplings into the river to console his spirit. The throwing of dumplings or chung tze into the sea is now a symbolic gesture and marks the start of the event each year.

Initiated by the Sabah Chinese Cultural Association (SCCA) 19 years ago, the Race was placed under the responsibility of the Sabah Tourism Board in 1996. The race was then briefly under the organization of the Ministry of Youth & Sports in the years 2002 and 2003 but is now (since 2004) back in the hands of the Sabah Tourism Board with the support of the SCCA.

This year, some 50 teams are expected to participate, both local and foreign, including teams from Brunei, Kalimantan, Singapore and China. Teams will be vying for nine trophies:

• Sabah Head Of State Trophy – International & Top Malaysian Men’s Teams* Sabah Chief Minister Trophy – Malaysian Men’s Teams


• Sabah Dragon Trophy – International & Malaysian Mixed Teams


• SCCA President Trophy – Chinese Men’s Teams


• SCCA President Trophy – Chinese Mixed Teams


• Kinabalu Dragon Trophy – Junior Team Under 21 Years Old


• Men’s Team Open 200 Metre Race – Open to all Men’s Teams


• Mix Team Open 200 Metre Race – Open to all Mixed Teams


• Charity Race – Open to all teams
  

The newly-introduced Charity Race is a unique category in which teams select a charitable organization to represent. The name of the organization must be incorporated in the team name when registering for this event. All cash prizes of the winning team will then be donated to the respective charitable organisation. This year, the total cash prize for this year is RM43,000. The Heats for all categories take place on the 20th of June while the Finals are held the following day.

In between races, enjoy the spectacular dragon and lion dance performances and a 24-Chinese drum presentation. On the 20th of June, visitors can also participate in a host of events at Likas Bay including beach soccer matches organised by KK Futsal Centre, canoeing by the Sabah Canoe Association and sailing activities by the Kinabalu Yacht Club and Sabah Sailing Association. Come and catch the excitement this June at Likas Bay! The event kicks off at 8:00am.

For more information, please contact Zachary Mobijohn (Organising Secretary) at +6088-232121, fax +6088-265540 or e-mail zachary@sabahtourism.com. Visit the website at http://dragonboat.sabahtourism.com

Source: Sabah Tourism

NOTE: Photo Copyright to Sabah Tourism
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Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2008 - Fishermen wins

KOTA KINABALU: The Pertubuhan Peladang Tuaran team, comprising a bunch of fishermen from Kg. Mengkabong, clinched the main event of the 23rd Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2008 by taking the Sabah Head of State Trophy at Likas Bay here yesterday.

Racing under an intermittent drizzle, the team powered by 18 rowers won the race by a neck in 3min 52sec ahead of Terayung from Tuaran which came in second place clocking a second more.

Last year’s winner Pasukan Kebangsaan Negara Brunei Darusallam took the third place in 3min 54sec.

The winners respectively took home RM4,000, RM2,500 and RM1,000 plus medals.

PPT team manager Abdullah Hj Awang when met after the prize presentation ceremony said they had prepared for the race for two weeks by focusing on improving their strength and stamina through jogging and weightlifting.

“All of us earn a living as fishermen, so we have no problem with the weather, and furthermore we are very familiar with the sea.

“We gathered together for the last two weeks to have regular training to improve our stamina. Our main concern was to beat the Brunei team because last year they out-rowed us into second place,” said Abdullah.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2008 - Fishermen wins

China, Brunei among 57 teams for Sabah Dragon Boat Race

Kota Kinabalu: China and Brunei are among the international competitors out of a total of 57 teams taking part in the 23rd Sabah Dragon Boat Race at Likas Bay today (Sunday), starting at 8am.

Penang's Forwards Sports Club, which is dedicated to running the dragon boat race, is the only other Peninsular Malaysian team represented.

"Dragon boat race is part of traditional Chinese culture and so we decided to come to Sabah mainly for cultural reason besides building friendship and enhancing relations," said Zhang Jin Rong, President of Nan-Aaou Streets Federation of returned LongGang which sent the 30-strong Nan-Aou team from Shenzhen, China.

"We are essentially amateurs, not professionals, and so if you ask me whether we had won important races in the world, the answer is no. But we have competed in places like Shanghai and Hong Kong," Zhang said.

Datuk Chau Tet On, President of Sabah Chinese Cultural Association which founded the Sabah Dragon Boat Race before Sabah Tourism Board took over its running, said he was grateful to China for "kindly" sending one of only two foreign teams to the meet.

"It gives us a lot of encouragement," Chau noted.

"An event like this can do a lot for Sabah, for sports and can promote tourism to foreign countries. The more foreign participation, the more money they spend in Sabah," he said.

Continue reading at: China, Brunei among 57 teams for Sabah Dragon Boat Race

Sabah dragon boat race makes waves

DONNING pink outfits, 23 women stood out among thousands of people who had thronged Tanjung Lipat near Kota Kinabalu on Sunday to watch the 22nd Annual Sabah Dragon Boat Race.

Loud cheers and thunderous applause greeted the women as their boat made it to the finish line to complete the endurance race.

The women, who called themselves Pink Challengers, finished seventh among nine teams that took part in the event.

But what was extraordinary about these women was not their outfits but the fact that they were all breast-cancer survivors.

“Our goal was not to win the race but to create awareness on breast cancer,” said team manager Babs Delaney.

Continue reading at: Sabah dragon boat race makes waves

Nail-biting finish to Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2007

KOTA KINABALU: The Brunei Dragon Boat Team A out-rowed six other competing teams to win the Sabah Head-of-State Trophy for the main event at the 22nd Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2007 at Likas Bay yesterday.

Racing under a cloudy skies, the team crossed the finish line in 3min 18secs to bag the top prize money of RM4,000. The winning team received their prizes and trophy from Head of State Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah who had earlier thrown dumplings into the sea to mark the start of the exciting race.

The annual race, which attracted some 25,000 spectators, saw Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan Tuaran take the second spot in 3min 24secs while the Maju Oriental Dragon Boat Team followed closely behind to grab the third spot in 3min 26secs. The second and third place winners received RM2,500 and RM1,000, respectively.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Nail-biting finish to Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2007

Sabah Dragon Boat Race June 17

Kota Kinabalu: The 22nd edition of the Sabah Dragon Boat Race will be held at Likas Bay on June 17.

Jointly organised by the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) and its wholly-owned subsidiary company, Sri Pelancongan Sabah (SPS) Sdn Bhd in collaboration with the Sabah Cultural Chinese Association (SCCA), the event offers cash prizes totalling RM33,000.

There are six categories for this year:

1, Sabah's Head of State Trophy (for international teams and top Malaysian Men team only);

2. Sabah Chief Minister's Trophy (for Malaysian Men teams only);

3. Sabah Dragon Trophy (for Malaysian and International Mixed team);

4, SCCA President Trophy (for Chinese Men members only);

5. SCCA President Trophy (for Chinese Mixed team); and

6. Sabah Tourism Trophy (members in the tourism industry).

Continue reading (incl. pics) at: Sabah Dragon Boat Race June 17

Entries open for Sabah Dragon Boat Race

Kota Kinabalu: Entries are now open for the 22nd Sabah Dragon Boat Race scheduled for June 17 at Likas Bay.

The event is being jointly organised by the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd (SPS), in collaboration with the Sabah Cultural Chinese Association (SCCA).

Organising secretary, Zachary Mobijohn, said this year they are joining forces with the Penang Dragon Boat Committee to promote the sport of dragon boat-racing in Malaysia.

Continue reading at: Entries open for Sabah Dragon Boat Race