KBS Happy With Monsoon Cup

by Monsoon Cup Media 2010 on 24 Nov 2010 The Ministry of Youth and Sports’ Deputy Secretary-General (operation) Dato’ Salim Parlan congratulated the Monsoon Cup for successfully creating a brand which is recognised the world over.

Dato Salim, who inspected the Monsoon Cup venue at the five-star Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort and Spa earlier today, said that The Ministry of Youth and Sports has conducted an impact study and found that the Monsoon Cup has more than justified the investment to run the annual event. As the last leg of the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT), the Monsoon Cup is broadcast to 1.63 billion households in 183 countries. This translates to US$79 million in international broadcast value.

'The number of people who tune in to watch the race is very high and the broadcast value alone is tremendous. Being the last race of the reason also makes the Monsoon Cup extra special as it is here that the World Champion will be crowned,' said Dato’ Salim.

'I understand there are 1,600 teams worldwide who compete in Match Racing and over 450 Match Racing events besides the top nine races, one of which is the Monsoon Cup.'

He added: 'The Monsoon Cup is not just about having a week-long race at the end of the year. The organisers have worked tirelessly to ensure the brand is prominent throughout the year and not just in the few weeks running up to the event.

'Programs such as the Monsoon Sailing School and the 7 District Karnival Monsoon, are among the highlights, while there are also local sailing programmes like the Heritage Bay Cup and EPIC Youth Sailing targeted at school children. During the Monsoon Cup, there are many side events to make it a real family affair and this resulted in over 100,000 spectators turning up for the Monsoon Cup.'

He added that the Ministry of Youth and Sports is also eager to ensure the Monsoon Cup leaves a lasting legacy not just for Terengganu, but for Malaysia as a whole.

'As mentioned earlier, there are sailing schools which help raise the standard of Malaysian sailors. This is one way the Monsoon Cup has contributed,' said Dato’ Salim.

'Also, it is important not to forget about the local residents. The Monsoon Cup has given them an economic boon as petty traders do brisk business during the event while there are hundreds of temporary jobs available.'

Dato’ Salim added that while he is delighted with all the efforts to promote the Monsoon Cup, he hopes more can be done to make 2010 an even bigger success.

This year’s race is from Nov 30-Dec 5.