BALINGIAN: The Smagel team from Indonesia was crowned as the ‘Sky King’ in the Cut String Kite Competition held at the Balingian Waterfront recently.
Although they were defeated in the open category, Smagel managed to clinch the title after their kite remained airborne the longest, outlasting 15 other participants in the ‘Sky King’ category.
They took home RM100 in cash.
In the open category, which was held in a knockout format, the champion was On-u, followed by Udin BKF in second place, XPander in third, and Mirul 69 KF in fourth.
Winners in the open category received cash prizes of RM700 for the champion, RM500 for the runner-up, and RM300 for third place.
All winners also received hampers, and consolation prizes were awarded to Serian KF, Smagel, and Bosku.
The prizes were sponsored by Balingian State Assemblyman, Abdul Yakub Arbi, while the ‘Sky King’ prize was a personal contribution from Penghulu Harbi Baker.
According to Harbi, the competition was held in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak and Hari Raya Aidiladha holidays.
“It is also to encourage the local community to engage in healthy recreational activities during the holidays for both celebrations.
“At the same time, this competition helps foster unity and camaraderie among the multi-ethnic and multi-religious residents of Balingian,” he said.
The open competition was organised by the Balingian Kite Club.
It received an encouraging response, with 16 participants, including kite clubs from Bintulu such as KFG Bintulu and Serian KF.
