Kota Kinabalu - With just two weeks of training, a team of fishermen from the Sabah northern district of Tuaran beat reigning champions Brunei to clinch this year`s Sabah Dragon Boat Race.
The Pertubuhan Peladang Tuaran team took home the Yang di-Pertua Negri Trophy and a RM4,000 prize in the 23rd edition of the annual event.
“Since most of our team comprised fishermen, stamina was not an issue. It was just a matter of getting everyone coordinated,” said team manager Abdullah Awang.
He said the group`s training was focused on beating the reigning champions which had to settle for third place.
The second spot went to Terayung, another team from Tuaran.
Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah presented the prizes. Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Raymond Tan and state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjum.
In the Sabah Chief Minister`s Trophy category, the ShangriLa Rasa Ria Resort B team clinched top spot, while second and third place went to the Brunei Youth and Tuaran F1 teams respectively.
Top place for the SCCA President`s Trophy (men`s` team event) went to the Penang Sports Club while the team event winner was the Sabah Chinese Cultural Association.
The Sabah Dragon Trophy went to the Mengkabong Mixed team while the Shan Shui Golf and Country Club Resort B team took home the Sabah Tourism Trophy.
A total of 57 teams, including a team each from China and the Philippines, took part in the competition in the choppy waters and rain at the scenic Likas Bay here.
Source: http://thestar.com.my (June 16, 2008)