THE Chinese Swimming Club (CSC),Penang is set to host its first Dragon Boat Festival in Penang next month, in collaboration with the Penang Dragon Boat Association and the Penang Rowing Association.
It is supported by the state Tourism and Creative Economy (Petace) office.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai shared that the event will be held to mark the Dragon Boat Festival (also known as Duanwu Festival in Chinese) which falls on May 31.
“The festival will take place on May 31, from 3 pm to 8 pm at the CSC. Apart from the race, the public can also enjoy cultural activities such as rice dumpling-making, traditional performances, and a variety of food,” Wong said during a press conference held at Komtar today.
It is learned that the Dragon Board Festival which originated in China,has a long history that dates back over 2,000 years.
According to Wong, this event will play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of the dragon boat community in Penang.
“It provides a platform for young talent, strengthens ties among local clubs, keeps our traditions alive through active participation and education.
“This event also serves as a platform to identify and nurture talents, preparing them for the International Dragon Boat Regatta, which is usually held towards the end of the year in Penang.
“People often ask me why the Dragon Boat Festival in Penang is usually held at the end of the year rather than the middle of the year.
“The reason is that during the middle of the year, places like Hong Kong and China host their own Dragon Boat Festivals, making it difficult for international teams to participate in ours at that time,” Wong added.
Wong also said that when the CSC expressed their desire to organise a race in conjunction with the Dragon Boat Festival, he welcomed the idea.
“Penang is a coastal state, as such more water sports competitions should be encouraged here,” he said.
Meanwhile, CSC chairman Victor Tan said that, the competition will feature, 300m sprint dragon boat races, as well as a 3km round the Pulau Tikus Island race.
Tan said that, additionally, there will be rowing events such as stand-up paddling, canoeing, and sculling. He also welcomed teams from other states to join the festival.
“Water sports should be promoted in Penang and made accessible to everyone so they can be enjoyed by all. In the past, canoeing was a popular water sport, but nowadays, we rarely see people canoeing anymore.
“As for this festival, we put safety as our utmost priority, while honouring a sport that is a timeless tradition.
“We would like to also thank YB Wong for his support towards this event,” Tan said, while adding that CSC once had its own dragon boat team and he hopes to revive it.
Tan also shared that the Penang dragon boat team was the first to represent Malaysia in dragon boat racing at the SEA Games in 1992.
“Penang used to have around 15 to 16 active dragon boat teams in the past, but now we only have 8 teams,” he said.
Also present were, Penang Rowing Association chairman Sam Sim who is also the Penang Dragon Boat Association vice-president, CSC vice-president Chu Bee Eng, CSC sport’s captain Ng Wei Liang, and CSC secretary Yeoh Tze Thai.
For further information or to register please visit http://t2u.asia/e/42476 or call 04-8990813 or can WhatsApp to the organising committee at 011-6131 3633.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Nuratikah Rahmat