KUCHING: More than 30 people from diverse backgrounds took part in the Kuching Dragon Boat Club (KDB) Open Day, which introduced participants to the sport while promoting teamwork, inclusivity and cultural appreciation.
Under the guidance of KDB coaches and experienced paddlers, many participants took to the water for the first time, gaining firsthand experience in a sport that emphasises teamwork, discipline and Chinese cultural heritage.
The event also highlighted the growing diversity within the sport. Besides members of the Chinese community, the Open Day attracted participants from various ethnic backgrounds, demonstrating how dragon boating has evolved beyond its cultural origins to become a platform that promotes unity and cultural exchange.
Another encouraging outcome was the strong female participation, with women accounting for more than half of those who registered for the programme, proving that dragon boating is a sport suitable for people of all genders and ages.
In a statement issued recently by the club, KDB president Lim Che Chien expressed his delight at the overwhelming response received, particularly the participation of women and people from different communities.
“Dragon boating is much more than a competitive sport. It represents a culture, a spirit and a symbol of teamwork.
“I am truly encouraged to see people of different ages, races and especially more women taking the initiative to experience and understand dragon boating.
“It demonstrates the tremendous potential of this sport to unite people beyond cultural and ethnic boundaries, bringing everyone together in the same boat to work towards a common goal,” he said.
Lim hopes the Open Day will inspire more members of the public to discover dragon boating, dispel misconceptions about the sport and encourage more young people, women and individuals from all communities to become part of the dragon boating family.
“We hope the spirit of dragon boating will continue to spread to every corner of our community, taking root among people of different backgrounds. Through this sport, we aim to cultivate teamwork, mutual respect, perseverance, resilience and the determination to never give up.
“More importantly, we hope dragon boating can continue to strengthen friendships among different communities and serve as a bridge connecting people from diverse cultures,” he said.
He added that KDB will continue organising more Open Days, introductory programmes and training sessions to provide greater opportunities for the public to experience the sport while nurturing talented paddlers capable of representing Sarawak and Malaysia in national and international competitions.
The club welcomes anyone aged 18 and above, regardless of gender or ethnicity, who has a willingness to learn and a passion for teamwork to join the KDB family. Those interested can contact KDB secretary Leslie Liew at +60 10-971 3046 for more information.
