TATAU: Following a 13-year absence, the Tatau Regatta is poised to make a return next year on an expanded platform.
Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, Datuk John Sikie Tayai, envisions a vibrant revival of water sports, aiming to attract not only local communities but also participants from afar.
The Tatau Regatta stands out among the 45 activities spanning the 16 days of the Tatau Festival 2023, from July 29 to Aug 13.
Sikie expressed his optimism about the water activity’s resumption, anticipating a significant draw for both domestic and international tourists.
While addressing the media at the Tatau Mini Regatta recently, Sikie, who also serves as the Kakus assemblyman, issued a challenge to community leaders in the Tatau District.
He called upon each headman to assemble a team for next year’s Tatau Regatta, highlighting the need for local engagement and participation.
“The last Tatau Regatta was held in 2010, marking a 13-year hiatus. Given this, during the Tatau Festival organisation meeting last month, I proposed the reinstatement of the regatta in response to the community’s request. Our goal is to rejuvenate this regatta,” he explained.
Despite being part of the Tatau Festival 2023’s comprehensive activities, the water sports (Mini Regatta) will initiate with 10contested categories.
These categories encompass various boat types and rowing teams, including Three Men’s rowers (Ordinary/Fiber Boats), 15 Bidar Rowers, 10 Temuai rowers, 20 Bidar rowers, 15 Temuai rowers, 20 Temuai rowers, 25 Bidar rowers, 30 Bidar rowers, and the prestigious River King category. The River King category boasts a RM12,000 cash prize for the triumphant team.
Among the multifaceted programmes within the Tatau Festival 2023 are the Ngajat Iban competition, mukun competition, Kuntau competition, Kenyah Community Cultural Night, Bagatan and Punan exhibitions, and cultural performances such as the traditional parade or Niti Daun.
The festival’s diverse offerings extend to the Speed Boat Championship, Unity Ride 2.0, futsal, petanque, archery, and more.
The Tatau Festival, a recurring event on Sarawak’s tourism calendar, materialises through the collaborative efforts of the Tatau District Office, the Bintulu Development Board, and the support of 30 associations, clubs, and non-governmental organisations.
