THE thrilling Penang International Dragon Boat Festival 2022 took place at the Teluk Bahang Dam today.
The almost one-day-long festival ended with Penang’s Pacific West Dragon Boat Club teams A and B clinching the first and second spots in the International Premier Open category.
The Pacific West Dragon Boat Club A also bagged second place in the International Junior U24 Open category.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was among the spectators alongside Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee Yeoh Soon Hin.
Chow said Dragon Boat race is a perfect showcase of Penang’s rich and vibrant cultural heritage.
“The sport promotes patriotism, dedication and integrity.
“Such values, I believe, are most fundamental for any society to progress.
“They help to establish a harmonious relationship among the people,” he said during his speech before the prize-giving ceremony.
Meanwhile, Penang Island Paddlez Club A bagged third spot in the International Premier Mixed category which had 22 rowers in a boat.
There were a total of six categories in the race with over 40 teams participating.
Chow urged the foreign participants to experience Penang’s local delicacies, its nature and tourist spots.
“Just ask around or Google, and you will know that Penang is the paradise for food lovers.
“And if you have not sampled any of our famous dishes or street food, you have not been to Penang.
“You can also spend a few days visiting our tourist spots such as Penang Hill to enjoy the cool breeze in the morning and enjoy our sandy beaches along Batu Ferringhi.
“Check out the nearby Escape theme park and Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm. Explore Penang and you will soon find yourself reluctant to leave,” he added.
Teams from countries such as Australia, the Philippines and Brunei also participated in the event.
The Penang International Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most popular and exciting sports events in Penang which made its comeback after a two-year gap due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, Yeoh hoped to attract not only teams from Asia but from Europe and the United States next year.
“The relaunch of the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival demonstrates the state government’s solidarity, determination and courage to prevail over the pandemic.
“We hope to take this event to a higher level next year, by attracting more teams not only across Asia but dragon boat federations from Europe and the United States.
“Thank you to all the departments and agencies for making this event a success and to all the dragon boat teams, congratulations and keep up the good work,” Yeoh said.
The Penang International Dragon Boat Festival 2022 was organised by Yeoh’s office (Petace) and the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival committee.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi