KAPIT : The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Solidarity (MYSS) yesterday morning presented a grant of RM10,000 to the Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari 2017 organising committee. The simple handing over ceremony was held at the Resident Office at the State Office Complex at Jalan Bleteh here.
Presenting the grant on behalf of MYSS was Zul Usup while Sarawak Administrative Officer, Vanessa Joseph from the Resident Office here received the grant on behalf of Baleh Kapit Raft Safari committee.
Present were staff from the Resident Office including Rolyn Terrance, Donny Yang, Nuwin Lium, Rata Tanggai (officer in charge of Kapit Office KBSS) and Erica Goldie Joshua.
The 22nd series of the Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari is scheduled to be held on 1 and 2 April. So far, 16 teams have confirmed their participation in the event.
Meanwhile, Kapit Resident and Organising Chairman, Joseph Belayong Punan said that the safari was still open to local and outside teams.
He disclosed that the event would be divided into five main categories, namely, Men’s Bamboo Open, Men’s Bamboo Closed (Inter Department), Women Bamboo Open and Free Style and Paddle Boat for men and women.
The first flagging off point for this year’s Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari is at Rumah Ansi, Nanga Sepajie at Sungai Majau, a tributary of Mujong River.
Deputy Chief Minister, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr. James Jemut Masing is expected to officiate at the first flagging off point.
Meanwhile, the second flagging off point for the race is at Rumah Along, an 18-door longhouse at Nanga Majau.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi is expected to officiate at the flagging off ceremony.
Apart from the rafting competition, the organising committee has also slotted in Kapit Powerboat Competition; it will be held for two consecutive days from 1 April at Kapit riverfront.
In addition, the organising committee has added another new event, the Mountain Bike Challenge, to attract more people.
The starting point is the Katibas Bridge in Song District. The participants will pass through the partially completed Kapit/Song road and end the challenge at Kapit Town Square.
The organising committee is inviting all mountain bike enthusiasts to take part in the event.