Sarawak Regatta - a 136-year-old tradition
by New Straits Times Online on 3 Aug 2008
The ceremonial Parade of Boats was held in conjunction with the launch of the Sarawak Regatta 2008. The regatta was first held 136 years ago Nik Hariff Hassan
About 30,000 people turned up at the Sarawak River yesterday for the annual regatta, which was themed 'Race for Peace'. The regatta was launched by Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud. The Sarawak Regatta was first held in 1872, and this year more than 6,000 participants from 326 teams are taking part in the 17 races.
'The regatta is a symbol of our enduring unity,' said organising chairman Rodziah Morshidi.
The highlight of the Parade of Boats, a ceremonial event,was the Kenyalang boat that carried the 'chiefs of the warring tribal groups' in their finest war regalia.
The chiefs carried a two-metre long wooden paddle, the symbol of the regatta, and passed it to the chief minister.
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