THIS year’s 40th anniversary of the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival (PIDBF) only serves as proof of the state government’s dedication in preserving the traditional sport, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
“The Penang government aims to promote dragon boating as a healthy sport in the state. It is among the many initiatives by the state government to elevate Penang as a cleaner, greener, safer and healthier state through the Penang2030 vision,” Chow said in his speech at the PIDBF at Teluk Bahang Dam today.
“I truly believe that if we are all able to manifest the spirit of unity and teamwork through this sport, we are not only able to promote dragon boating as a healthy sport but also, together in a bigger picture, we are able to achieve innumerable desired goals for the common good of mankind.
“To all the participants, I hope the spirit of unity and teamwork will be the paddle of your success today.”
State Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the PIDBF has become an anticipated event for dragon boat enthusiasts from this region and around the world.
He added that Penang was fast becoming a destination for sports tourism.
“Penang has hosted many other international sporting events such as the Penang Bridge International Marathon on Nov 24 which attracted more than 25,000 participants.
“In this year’s Penang International Dragon Boat Festival, we have 62 teams from all over the world. Thirteen of them are from Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Canada, Qatar, Japan and Egypt.
“Dragon boating is after all a tradition here in Penang. It has existed for a long time and is part and parcel of our culture and heritage in Penang. We hope the generations to come will appreciate the tradition of dragon boating.”
Chow and Yeoh also commended volunteers and government agencies like the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), police and Fire and Rescue Department personnel for making the event a success.
Yeoh added that for next year, the Penang Dragon Boat Regatta would be held on June 13-14 while the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival would be held on Dec 5-6.
To get the mood going before the opening ceremony, two zumba instructors put the participants through the paces.
The participants and visitors were then treated to a captivating lion dance by a local troupe.
After the speeches by Yeoh and Chow, the chief minister performed the traditional eye-dotting ceremony.
Among those present at the opening ceremony were state executive councillor Chong Eng, Teluk Bahang assemblyman Zolkifly Md Lazim, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang, MBPP secretary Datuk Addnan Mohd Razali, Tourism and Culture Ministry Penang director Jonathan Freddy Bagang.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Law Suun Ting
