A FREE training session for dragon boat enthusiasts in Penang will be conducted on the first Sunday of every month beginning in September to maintain its dragon boating tradition and encourage more people to take up the sports.
State Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival (PIDBF) Committee would conduct the training, kicking off the first training session on Sept 1 from 3pm to 5pm.
“This training is open to the public for free. We encourage the colleges, factories and corporate bodies to join the training sessions as they provide good team building and promote team spirit.
“This training session shows our dedication to promoting and preserving this ancient sport,” Yeoh said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta at the Teluk Bahang Dam today.
Yeoh said dragon boating has been a tradition in Penang that has existed for a long time.
“It’s part and parcel of our culture and heritage. We hope one day, our grandchildren will be able to appreciate the tradition of dragon boating for generations to come.
“Penang is fast becoming a destination for sports tourism. The state has hosted many other international sporting events such as the Penang Bridge International Marathon. Last year’s marathon held on Nov 25 attracted more than 25,000 participants,” Yeoh added.
Yeoh expressed his hopes that the boat regata participants would also take part in the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival 2019 at the dam on Dec 7 and 8.
He said the PIDBF has become an anticipated event for dragon boat enthusiasts from this region and also around the world.
For those visiting Penang, Yeoh said they should take the opportunity to explore the many interesting places in the state, like the UNESCO Heritage Site, sandy beaches, world famous street food and most importantly experience the culture and nature which Penangites are proud of.
He said recently CNN travel named Penang as one of the 17 Asia’s best destination to consider for the next adventure while in the past few years, Penang has gained many awards from Lonely Planet, Conde Nast Magazine, Forbes and economic magazines from the United States.
Meanwhile, Pacific West Dragon Boat Club emerged the winners in the Penang Pemier Open at the Penang Dragon Boat Regatta 2019. They clocked 4:17.26.
Second place went to Penang Forward Sport Club (4:20.03) while Penang Gu Tao Team ‘A’ finished third (4:24.36).
In the other categories, Penang Forward Sport Club triumphed in the International Senior 40 Open, National University of Singapore took the International Premier Woman’s title and Penang Forward Sports Club ‘B’ came out first in the International Premier Open.
The results:
Penang Premier Open: 1. Pacific West Dragon Boat Club (4:17.26), 2. Penang Forward Sport Club (4:20.03), 3. Penang Gu Tao Team ‘A’ (4:24.36).
International Senior 40 Open: 1. Penang Forward Sport Club (2:29.16), 2. Nanjing Dragon Boater (2:31.16), 3. Penang Gu Tao Team ‘B’ (2:33.03).
International Premier Women: 1. National University of Singapore (5:50.31), 2. DisOARder (6:53.97).
International Premier Open: 1. Penang Forward Sport Club ‘B’ (2:14.91), 2. Pacific West Dragon Boat Club ‘A’ (2:18.78), 3. Penang Forward Sport Club ‘A’ (2:26.21).
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Law Suun Ting