SERIAN: The Serian Rafting Challenge Festival is set to return on Sept 27 and 28, offering excitement for fans and participants alike.
The 25km competition along the Batang Sadong/Kayan River route will start in Kampung Tema Mawang, Tebedu District, Serian Division.
The event will feature five categories: open men, open women, open youth, a mixed category for government departments/agencies, and a mixed category for hotels and travel agencies.
Winners in each category will be awarded cash prizes and trophies, with RM1,500 for first place, RM1,200 for second place, and RM900 for third place.
Participants finishing fourth to 10th and the most creative raft will each receive a consolation prize of RM250. The registration fee for participants is RM200.
Serian MP Datuk Seri Dr Richard Riot Jaem is expected to officiate the release ceremony of the participants. The race will conclude at the finish line in Kampung Tebakang Bidayuh, followed by a closing ceremony in the evening.
A total of 119 teams, comprising 476 participants, will take part in this year’s competition.
In addition to the rafting challenge, the festival will feature other events such as the Ratu Bilanting competition, sports competitions for children and youth, folk games, stage performances, sales stalls, night markets, and a lucky draw at the Tebakang Cina Market Complex, Serian.
The Serian Rafting Challenge Festival is an annual event, now in its twelfth year, and is part of the Sarawak tourism calendar for Serian Division. It was first introduced in 2012.
The festival aims to promote the Batang Sadong/Kayan River and the villages of Kampung Tema Mawang and Kampung Tebakang in Serian as sports and recreational hubs for rafting.
It also seeks to promote Serian Division as an ecotourism destination, showcasing the natural beauty along the river.
Additionally, the event provides an opportunity for the local community to generate income through business activities and supports the government’s initiative to promote healthy lifestyles, particularly among youth and children, through sports.
