BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

ABOUT 1,200 participants are expected to race in the Regata Brunei Darussalam 2014 today.

A total of 45 Bruneian and international teams will compete in 12 traditional boat races, two water taxi races, two jetski and eight speedboat races.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan Brunei Darussalam and HRH Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah (C), the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, are also expected to grace the event today.

This year’s boat race will also first-time participants from Nanjing, China, which is the sister city for Bandar Seri Begawan.

Teams from Malaysia, such as Putra Lawas and Pewaris Lawas, will also return to compete with the local teams.

The regatta will start with the 30 horsepower boat race, followed by fibre-glass 15 rowers category and the water taxi race, under 50-hp power boat, four-stroke jetski and traditional boat race involving 25 rowers.

There will also be a marathon involving 30 paddlers in a traditional boat, with a cash prize of $6,000 up for grabs.

Hawker stalls selling a variety of food and drinks and wares will be set up at Jalan Pretty and Jalan Pemancha from 6am until 9pm.

In addition, galleries showcasing the “One Village, One Product” and past regattas will also be held as side events.

Parents who bring their children to watch the boat race can later head to Taman Hj Sir Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, where there will be other activities including bouncers for children.

Seven roads, including Jalan Pemancha, Jalan Pretty, Jalan Sultan, Jalan Cator, Jalan Elizabeth II and Jalan Pearce will be closed today from 6am to 6pm, while Jalan McArthur has been closed since 5.30pm yesterday.

Suggested alternative routes to the capital include Jalan Kianggeh, Jalan Kumbang Pasang, Jalan Muara, Jalan Tutong and Jalan Gadong.

A reception for regatta participants was also held yesterday where the Minister of Home Affairs, Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Badaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman was the guest of honour.

The reception aimed to strengthen relations among the participants.

The ceremony was followed by the exchange of tokens of appreciation between the guest of honour and the participants.

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, the regatta aimed to restore the glory of boat racing in the capital, and hoped to promote tourism by making Bandar Seri Begawan more attractive to tourists.

The Brunei Times