Mother of all Regattas

KUCHING: Sarawak River is the ‘Mother of All Regattas’ as it promotes water sport and also places the state in the tourism calendar of events ever since its inception in 2006.Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam described the Sarawak River as such when speaking at the official opening of the Sarawak Regatta 2010 at the Kuching Waterfront here yesterday.

He said the three-day regatta at the Sarawak River, which started last Friday had always been a venue for all races to promote unity, goodwill, peace and harmony. He added that this would be further strengthened with the 1Malaysia Concept that we have now.

The regatta, he added, also helped to highlight the beauty of the Sarawak River that had grown in popularity with its modern and unique facilities along the waterfront.

“The regatta also promotes business activities and opportunities for many – from the petty traders to those involved in the tourism industry such as hotel and restaurant operators.

“Ever since the Sarawak Regatta was included in the tourism calendar of events in 2006, it has attracted a large number of participants from all over Sarawak and Brunei.” He suggested that each community in Sarawak send at least a team to the event in future races. He, too, suggested that a special category be reserved for foreign tourists in order to project the state as one that is most hospitable.

Meanwhile, this year’s regatta attracted 5,844 participants from 300 teams who competed in 17 different categories that offered lucrative prize money.

Thousands packed the Kuching waterfront during the three-day event including the Head of State Tun Datuk Patinggi Abang Haji Mohammad Salahuddin and wife, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Datuk Amar Abang Haji Johari Tun Openg and Deputy Minister of Tourism Dato Dr James Dawos yesterday.

Meanwhile, Landas Six in the 30- paddler (male) category was named the Raja Sungai (River King) in this year’s regatta. They took home a trophy and a RM3,500 prize money.

Second place went to the Jang Team (RM3,000), Pusaka Eight third (RM2,500), ASF Puteri Dang Balai fourth (RM1,500), and Sri Urai fifth (RM1,000).

Sarawak tribune @Patrick Joseph
Monday, 02 August 2010 11:42

Posted by Lawasian on Isnin, Ogos 02, 2010. Filed under Regatta, Tourism . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry