Federation of Chinese Associations dragon boat race teams told to start training
Published on: Monday, April 29, 2024
The FCAS group, led by Goh, getting ready to paddle a dragon boat while Wong beats the ceremonial drum, marking the launch of the 9th FCAS International Dragon Boat Race, recently.
Kota Kinabalu: Teams participating in the 9th Federation of Chinese Associations (FCAS) International Dragon Boat Race to be held in May can begin their training, said its President Tan Sri TC Goh.
He said, from Sunday, teams which have registered for the race can start their free training sessions from 8am to 6pm at the Kinabalu Yacht Club and the Gayang River Pier, in Tuaran, until June 7.
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Goh, who is also President of The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong), said this after presiding over its brief launching ceremony at the Tanjung Aru Yacht Club here, recently.
Also present during the occasion were the group of FCAS leaders including its Deputy President and Race Organising Chairman Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen, Vice Presidents Kapitan Fung Chun Fatt, and Chang Jeng Yung, among others.
The launching ceremony saw the group boarding the dragon boat and enthusiastically paddled forward with the rhythm of drumming conducted by Wong, symbolising courage and smooth sailing.
Citing last year’s record breaking turnout, with over 150 teams, Goh hopes this year’s event would continue to receive strong support from all sectors and teams from home and abroad.
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He believes this would again turn the annual cultural event into a tourist attraction, besides promoting unity, harmony and excellent culture and traditions of Sabah.
He said this year’s competition will have 11 categories, with prize money worth RM94,000 up for grabs. Participants from all walks of life are welcomed to sign up.
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Participating teams can contact the organising team to arrange for training dates. Wong added that the organising committee would prepare the dragon boats at the designated locations for a period of 43 days.
She hoped that all participating teams would start training as soon as possible to achieve excellent results.
The 11 categories include the Sabah TYT Cup, the Sabah Chief Minister Cup, the FCAS International Dragon Boat Race Cup, the FCAS Cup (for FCAS members), the FCAS Cup (Chinese Mixed Team), the FCAS Cup (Chinese Men’s Team), the Kinabalu Cup (Youth Team), the Kinabalu Cup (Men’s Team), the Kinabalu Cup (Mixed Team), the Kinabalu Cup (Women’s Team) and the Huazong President Cup (Mixed Team).
She added that in conjunction with the competition, there will also be a host of interesting side events, including sunset beach parties, sunset run, rice dumpling tasting sessions and food stalls serving local delicatessen.
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