PENANG hopes to expand dragon boat racing events beyond the annual Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta (PIDBR), traditionally held at the end of the year.
State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said Penang aimed to position itself as a regional dragon boat racing hub by expanding the sport from a once-a-year event into multiple races throughout the year.
“As sports tourism is an increasingly important growth area for Penang, athletes, teams and their families who travel here to compete are able to experience more than just the race.
“This is how sport can showcase Penang to the world and leave a lasting impression,” he said.
Wong noted that dragon boat racing reflected values of teamwork, unity and inclusiveness, adding that the Dragon Boat Festival is recognised as a Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage with more than 2,000 years of history.
The state is set to host the Penang Chinese Swimming Club Dragon Boat Race in May and the annual PIDBR in November.
He said another race, the Penang Mini Dragon Boat Race was already held in January at the Penang Water Sports Centre in Tanjung Bungah.
What was intended to be a small-scale local event has developed into a competitive race welcoming participants from neighbouring regions.
Participation has grown steadily over the years, with about 850 competitors taking part this year, said Malaysian Dragon Boat Federation (MDBF) president Girlie Tan and deputy president Raja Amran Shah Raja Musa.
“The event began modestly in 2019 with only eight teams, before increasing to 12 teams last year and now, 30 teams.
“A lot of teams like to come to Penang and although many of them are competitive, this event focuses more on developing the sport,” she said.
Tan added that a total of RM18,000 in cash prizes was offered across four categories in this year’s event.
Among the foreign teams was Alpas Pinas, a 20-member squad from the Philippines.
Team captain Glenn Aytona, 43, said the group, comprising members from diverse backgrounds, had come together in the spirit of sport.
“We are based in Kuala Lumpur, with 80% of the team being Filipinos.
“Most of them are working here, some having resided here for over 10 years.
“It is a good opportunity for us to join events, compete and learn from the local teams,” he said.
