SERIAN (Sept 18): A total of 80 teams so far have confirmed their participation in the 12th edition of the Serian Rafting Challenge (SRC) 2024, said Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem. The Serian MP said with registration closing today (Sept 18), there is a chance to see some late entries for the event which takes place on Sept 27 and 28. “Sometimes participants like to join at the last minute. I believe the number of participants will increase,” he told a press conference after chairing the SRC meeting here yesterday.To date, 320 participants from 80 teams will be competing, with 23 teams in the Men’s Open category, 14 teams in the Women’s Open category, and 12 teams in the Youth Open category. Additionally, 21 teams will compete in the Mixed Group (Men and Women) Government Agencies category, while 10 teams are set to participate in the Mixed Group (Men and Women) Tourism Agencies category. The rafting challenge will begin at 7am from Kampung Tema Mawang in Tebedu, to Kampung Tebakang, covering a distance of 25km.
According to Riot, the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts is the main sponsor of the event, having contributed RM100,000, while his Serian Parliamentary Service Centre contributed RM60,000. Winners in each category will receive RM1,500; first runner-up (RM1,200) and, and second runner-up (RM900). The top-three winners will also receive a trophy each. Teams finishing in fourth will each get RM250, while the team with the most creative raft will also receive RM250. Riot said there will also be a Ratu Bilanting contest starting on Sept 27, with the final taking place the next day.
Other activities include traditional games and community sports taking place Kampung Tebakang Dayak. “Additionally, 60 stalls have been set up to boost the local economy and promote tourism in the Serian area. “People from the surrounding areas are encouraged to attend to liven up the event, which will also feature an entertainment stage in the evening,” he added.
