KAPIT: Two teams, Lakin Belaga (Ketua Masyarakat Belaga) and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera (PBB), ended on top in their respective categories of the just-concluded Baleh Kapit Raft Safari held on April 6 and 7.
It was another lucky outing for Lakin Belaga, the defending champion in the Men’s Bamboo Open Category of the rafting competition while their rival PRS Youth 64/61 team came in second. In third place was Team Anang Cabut MIDT. In fourth place was N49 Ngemah team.
Lakin Belaga also won in the Paddle Boat Category for the second time with a longboat brought all the way from Belaga. Their Sekapan paddlers are famed for their victories in contests held in Baram and Kuching.
Dewan Suarah Kapit (Desuka) team came in second while PDRM Kapit had to be content with the third placing.
Both categories (Men’s Bamboo Open and Paddle Boat) began at the first flag-off station at Rumah Lugat in Nanga Semawang, Sungai Majau Baleh.
The defending champion PBB Men’s team won the Men’s Bamboo Closed category. Pasukan Tekura Nyemerai team took the second spot while Desuka team was placed third.
With that win PBB Sarawak team took home RM3,000, a championship trophy and a challenge trophy. Tekura Nyemerai team received RM2,500 and a trophy while Desuka team took home RM1,500 and a trophy.
Biro Wanita Rumah Ukau Bawai team won the Women’s Bamboo Open category for the first time and lifted the challenge trophy. JKKK Rumah Ticho Tubau team came in second while Biro Wanita Rumah Minggat Nanga Bawai was third.
In the Men’s Free Style category Bujang Banyau Pematak Kayau team beat the defending champion Usun United team to lift the Baleh Kapit Challenge Trophy. Kelab Sokanjaya Bahagian Kapit team was in third place.
The champion team brought home RM2,000 and a championship trophy while the team in second and third place received RM1,500 and RM1,000 respectively including a trophy each.
Giving away the prizes for the Men’s Bamboo Closed category was Youth and Sports Assistant Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan while Native Laws and Customs Assistant Minister Datuk Johgn Sikie Tayai presented the prize to the Men’s Free Style category winners. MP Kapit Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi presented the prize for the Women’s Bamboo Open category.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar James Jemut Masing was also present and presented prizes to the Men’s Bamboo Open category winners.
Prizes for the Paddle Boat category winners were handed over by Murum rep Kennedy Chuk Pai Ugon while Bukit Goram rep Jefferson Jamit Unyat presented prizes to the winners in the Best Decorated Raft category. Oyan Warriors of SK Nanga Oya took the top spot while PIBG SK Nanga Yong was in second place and MIDT – LSS in third.
The prize giving ceremony was held at Kapit Express Wharf Terminal.
Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong officiated at the flag-off at the first station at Rumah Lugat on April 6.
A total of 29 teams took part in the 24th annual international rafting competition. Apart from local teams there were teams from Kanowit, Kuching and Bintulu.
The organising committee also slotted several events including a competition for more than 60 powerboats from Brunei, Bintulu, Kanowit, Song, Belaga and Sibu.
