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The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Dragon boat racers cut through choppy waters
First place finish: Ng (right) is all smiles as he and his team reach the shore after winning a dragon boat race in Tanjung Bungah, Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star GEORGE TOWN: Wading through rough waters while keeping up their stamina was an arduous task, but one Dragon Boat team persevered, reaching the finishing line more than a minute ahead of the rest. Celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival with a memorable victory, Penang Municipal Park Rowing Club team captain Ng Wei Liang, 22, said rowing for 4km straight was something new for the team. 'We have participated in various competitions and events, but they are usually 200m or 500m sprints. 'This is our first time taking part in such a lengthy route and the waters were rough, especially around Pulau Tikus island. 'It was a difficult route and with the waves being choppy around the island, coupled with the strong winds, manoeuvring was difficult. 'I am surprised at our speed and happy that we managed to win,' he said, when met at the Penang Chinese Swimming Club in Tanjung Bungah, Penang, yesterday. Ng, whose team raced under the club's banner, clocked in at 18.42mins, while the second-place Penang Titan, clocked in at 19.55mins. Coming in third was Dragon Venture at 22.22mins. Ng said that although the team participated in other Malaysian dragon boat races, this one was special as it was the first time they raced on the actual festival date. 'It is nice that we are racing with different Penang-based teams as well. 'This was a last-minute decision, so it took us a while to find rowers who were available. 'We only managed to have two weeks of training, but it worked out well,' he said. Ng said the team members were pleased with their stamina and coordination. 'I was doubtful we would be able to handle it, especially with limited time for practice, but we are happy that we managed to win,' he added. Penang Chinese Swimming Club president and event organising chairman Victor Tan said that while it was a competition, the celebration was more about bringing Penangites together to celebrate the festival. 'We want them to enjoy the festival on the actual date. 'We had the 300m sprint for the dragon boats as well as other rowing events, including stand-up paddling, canoeing and sculling. 'We had a dumpling-making demonstration as well,' he said. The Dumpling Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, is observed on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. This year, it fell on May 31.
The Star
05-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Grant propels rowing sport forward
Rowers battling against high tide to the finish line during the Penang Rowing Beach Sprint Coastal Championship 2025. RM80,000 for inaugural Penang championship, talent development programme for the disabled IT WAS a show of grit during the first Penang Rowing Beach Sprint Coastal Championship 2025 as contestants rowed against high tides and scorching heat. The challenge included a 200m sprint and a 4km endurance race. About 50 rowers from Penang, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Johor and Melaka participated. The maiden race comprised various segments aimed at preparing participants for the 2025 SEA Games that will be held in Thailand. The championship was organised by Penang Rowing Association (PRA) and launched at the Penang Chinese Swimming Club in Tanjung Bungah by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. In her speech, Yeoh said the association had applied for and received RM60,000 via the Sports Matching Grant to hold the championship. 'All sports associations can apply for this grant. 'If their applications are approved, they will be reimbursed for the cost of the event.' Holding the Jalur Gemilang are Yeoh (right) and Gooi, together with race organisers and participants during the championship at the Penang Chinese Swimming Club in Tanjung Bungah, Penang. Yeoh said the association received an additional RM20,000 under the ministry's allocation to create programmes for people with disabilities, with the aim of developing talent in the disabled community. 'I think rowing can be carried out in a safe environment. 'There is also indoor rowing that has controlled conditions. 'I have asked them to create a special session as I believe many disabled youth do not have enough programmes. 'There are some programmes for the disabled when they are in school but afterwards, they seem to become less active.' Yeoh expressed confidence that the association would be able to develop talent among Penang's disabled community. 'If it is a success here, I hope to expand it to other states.' PRA president Sam Sim said the championship was a platform for rowers heading to the SEA Games. He thanked for the grant as it would help the association hold similar events and groom talent. 'The additional allocation to help the disabled will enable us to encourage local talent. 'We have indoor rowing and in the past, we have held programmes for the disabled. 'As long as they have upper body strength and can use their hands, they can take part. 'We will hold a rowing clinic before progressing into training programmes,' he said. Also present at the event was state youth, sports and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi.
