KAPIT: A total of 26 teams have confirmed their participation in this 22th edition of the Baleh Kapit Raft Safari.
In this year’s competition there are five main categories vied for the two-day event to be held from 1-2 April namely Men’s Bamboo Open, Men’s Bamboo Closed (Inter Department), Women Bamboo Open, Free Style and the Paddle Boat category that is open to men and women.
Rumah Ansie at Sungai Majau, Mujong has been selected as the first flag off point on 1 April while Rumah Along at Nanga Majau, Mujong is the second transit point. This was disclosed by Kapit Resident, Joseph belaying Punan who is also the organising chairman for the annual international rafting competition to the press on Wednesday.
The participation sees a decline compared to 28 participations in 2016 competition.
Of the 26 teams taking part in the competitions this year, six teams are in the Men’s Bamboo Open category, nine teams in the Men’s Closed (Inter Department/Local Clubs and Associations), five teams in the Women Bamboo Open , four teams for the Paddle Boat category and two teams in the Free Style category.
Apart from the local teams, this year’s participation has entries from outside teams from Sibu and Kuching. However two teams pulled out at the very last minute due to some unforeseen circumstances.
Meanwhile other side activities slotted to coincide with the arrival of the two-day competition include a powerboat competition organised by Kapit Division Powerboat Association that involves the local and outside teams from Brunei, Limbang, Bintulu, Sarikei, Kampung Bungan and KRT Kertau from Sibu.
Other side activities include side stalls at Kapit Town Square and the Mountain Bike Fun Ride Challenge that will begin from the Katibas bridge at Song district on 1 April.
The Mountain Bike Fun Ride (Kayuhan Lasak Mountain Bike Kapit 2017) is introduced for the first time as one of the side activities in conjunction with this year’s rafting event.
The trip from Kapit town to Rumah Ansie at Sungai Majau by longboat takes about seven hours along the Rajang River, Baleh River, Sungai Mujong and Sungai Majau. The rafters will be able to enjoy the pristine clear water of Sungai Paku while at the same time are able to see a scenic view of the Iban longhouses along the river.
Attractive prizes await the winners. The champion team in the Men’s Open category will bring home RM3000 cash prize and a trophy; first runner-up gets RM2500 and a trophy, second runner-up gets RM1500 and a trophy while the teams in fourth to sixth places will receive RM800, RM700 and RM600 respectively whereas those in seventh to tenth places are to receive RM500 and a trophy each respectively.
For the Men Closed, Free Style, Women Closed and Paddle Boat category, the champion team will receive RM2000 and a trophy; first runner-up will get RM1500 and a trophy, second runner-up to get RM1000 and a trophy while those teams in fourth to sixth places are to receive RM700, RM600 and RM500 and a trophy eac respectively. While those in seventh to tenth places will receive prizes of RM400 and a trophy each respectively.
