Boat Race to Relive Bruneian’s Traditional Activity

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam - Some 150 youths raced on the Brunei River in a traditional boat racing competition yesterday as they relived the conventional activity sported by Bruneians decades ago.

The one-day event, which saw the participation of five teams comprising youths aged from 15 years old to 30 years old, kick started at 9am and was officiated by Hj Abdul Malik Hj Mohammad, acting director of the Youth and Sports Department at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Five teams representing Kg Setia `B', Kg Tarap Bau, Gabungan Pemuda Tamoi, Persatuan Belia Berwawasan Sungai Bunga (loosely translated as Sungai Bunga Visionary Youths Association) and Kg Saba Perkasa team, competed in six events.

The competition for the 1km and 3km race was divided into six categories, according to the number of participants (10, 15, 20 or 30) from each team per boat.

"The race is organised by the Sungai Bunga Visionary Youths Association to introduce the love for the game among the youths and preserve the culture inherited from our ancestors," said the vice president of the association, Hj Yahya Hj Mahari, who was also the co-organiser of the event.

He added the competition was also held as a recreational activity for the youths in Kampong Ayer during the school holiday period.

The annual event, usually held in June, was postponed to December due to "unavoided circumstances".

"This is a sport played by Bruneians decades ago when the Brunei River was still lively, so we want to bring life and attention back onto Brunei River," said Hj Yahya who shared that the sport is seldom practised nowadays.

The race was also held as part of Kg Sungai Bunga initiatives to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among youths in the area, he added.

One of the spectators was a senior citizen, who expressed his pleasure at seeing youths participating in the event.

"It is wonderful to see youths taking part in the traditional boat race. Healthy activities like these are good for the community and good for the elderly to remember old times," he said, opting for anonymity.

"It is exciting to watch youths taking part in the event. It looks tiring to see the participants rowing the long traditional boats but I hope to participate for my home team next time," said Remy, a 16-year-old student from Kg Sungai Bunga.

Source: http://www.brudirect.com

Share

Write your comment !