KOTA KINABALU: About 20 per cent of the 112 participating teams in the first Sabah Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) International Dragon Boat Race 2014 are Chinese participants.
Organizing chairperson of the event, Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen, said there were 24 Chinese teams participating in the race under three categories, namely the FCAS Trophy (800m Local KK Chinese Communities Association Mix) – seven teams, FCAS Trophy (800m Local Chinese Men) – 10 teams and FCAS Trophy (800m Local Chinese Mix) – seven teams.
Most Chinese youth who signed up for the race are first timers.
“We consider this a good response from the Chinese community.
“We hope we can attract more Chinese to like this sport in efforts to boost their participation in the dragon boat race next year,” she said in a press conference here yesterday.
The race will be held at Likas Bay on June 7-8.
Also present were Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) president Dato’ Sri TC Goh, race coordinator cum FCAS assistant secretary general Robin Tay Kee Hiong and FCAS Youth chief Dennis Gan.
Wong also announced that the dragon boat race for the Breast Cancer Survivor category has been struck off due to lack of participation.
“There must be three teams or more competing in a category. Unfortunately some international teams could not come in the last minute due to other commitments.”
Nonetheless, Wong said the federation would start inviting foreign teams to participate in next year’s dragon boat race, including teams from China, after this year’s event.
On another note, Wong said safety was a top priority in the dragon boat race.
She said the organizing committee had engaged the marine police, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Department (JPAM) and Marine Department to ensure the participants’ safety.
“On land, there will be two Red Crescent ambulances and a JPAM ambulance on standby.
“We also have Dr Wong Hock Khiam and Dr Wah Hai Sit in charge of the first aid centre, and doctors from the State Health Department for VVIPs,” Wong said.
The organizing committee assured that they do not foresee any incidents during the race, and that putting the rescue teams and medical personnel on standby was just a matter of precaution.
Wong admitted that both she and Goh, being businesswoman and businessman, were new in organizing the event.
However, she said the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) had assisted the organizing committee tremendously in terms of providing manpower in the heats and finals.
“From the experience, we have learned how to determine tide level,” she said.
Wong added the dragon boat race not only promoted Chinese culture but also would boost the tourism industry, and advocated the activity as a healthy sport.
“Apart from the 20 per cent Chinese participants, we have Malays, Kadazans and other races taking part in this Chinese cultural event.
“So to us, the first Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race 2014 is indeed meaningful, and we hope the state government could support us financially so that the dragon boat race can be a yearly event.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the organizing committee led by Goh paid a courtesy call on Sabah Fire and Rescue Departmetn director Nordin Pauzi at his office.
Wong said Nordin had explained to the committee on the department’s sea rescue, adding that the latter had agreed to assist in case of emergency.