The first 1Malaysia International Dragon Boat Festival 2010 (1MIDBF 2010) held on 18th – 20th June 2010 in the nation’s administrative capital at Putrajaya brings the colour and excitement of a Chinese tradition to the scenic 650ha lake at Putrajaya Water Sports Complex.
This is the second time Putrajaya played host to the Dragon Boat race which last year was called Putrajaya International Dragon Boat Festival (PIDBF). For this year it was renamed 1Malaysia International Dragon Boat Festival 2010 (1MIDBF 2010) in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's vision of 1Malaysia to bring all segments of society in strengthening unity and friendship in this competitive global sporting event.
The excitement and colourful spectacle, with the drums, shouting and colourful boats all helped to draw the crowds in.
Over 1,600 participants from Australia, Canada, Japan, China, Hongkong, Philippines, Macau, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and others paddled toward the finish line in the scenic lakes.
The dragon boat race is divided into two main categories which are the international teams and Malaysia teams.
Tents were also set up with stalls selling food and drinks and promotional items
Mai Tomyam joined in the excitement of watching more than 1,600 paddlers converged at Putrajaya Water Sports Complex in Precinct 6 racing in colourful dragon boats in a heart stopping competition.
Note:The Dragon Boat Festival commemorates the patriotic poet Qu Yuan (340-278 BC). Legend holds that the race originates from the idea of the people who tried to rescue him from drowning in the Miluo River (in his fight for political reform), by rowing their boats, beating drums and throwing rice dumplings to scare the fish away and keep them from eating his flesh.
Colourful boats are fitted with decorative dragon heads on the boat's prow.
The ornately carved and painted dragon heads of the dragon boats which are measured more than 10 metres long and can carry a crew of 20-22 paddlers.
The 1Malaysia International Dragon Boat racing is held at the scenic lakes of Putrajaya Water Sports Complex in Precinct 6.
Sitting two abreast, with a steersman at the back and a drummer at the front, the paddlers race to reach the finishing line.
The dragon boats racing in a lively, vibrant spectacle.
Teams race the elaborately decorated dragon boats to the beat of heavy drums.
The Pink Challengers dragon boat team from the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA) Kuala Lumpur. The team now stands by the theme "Paddle for Courage, Strength and Change".
The Cathay Pacific dragon boat team in rowing action.
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The British Dragon Boat Team in rowing action.
The dragon boat team from the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN).
The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) dragon boat team.
The Penang Dragon Boat Team.
Team members in a warming up exercise before the race.
A Singapore Paddle Club (SPC) dragon boat team member engaging in some training techniques like yoga before the race.
The Singapore Paddle Club (SPC) dragon boat team.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) Patriots team.
The Kiyah-Splashh! dragon boat team from Singapore.
The Water Warriors Dragonboat Club team from Australia.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) Patriots team.
The Kiyah-Splashh! dragon boat team from Singapore.
The Water Warriors Dragonboat Club team from Australia.
The British Dragon Boat Team who are based in Singapore.
Chief trainer Faizal (first from left, back row wearing dark glasses) and his team from the Black Paddle Club of TUDM (Royal Malaysian Air Force) based in Alor Setar, Kedah.
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A paramedic attending to a rower's medical needs.
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Hot guys (...and boys too) take their shirts off as the heat is really unbearable with the scorhing sun shining down. Special thanks to Jeff Lau for contributing the photo to this post.
Some take to taking a dip in the lakes to escape the scorching heat.
The Putrajaya Water Sports Complex at Precinct 6 where the 1Malaysia International Dragon Boat Festival was held.
The grandstand seating at the Putrajaya Water Sports Complex where spectators watch the dragon boat race.
The Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA) booth sells merchandise like T-shirts, pouches and silicone wristlets to raise fund to support women affected by breast cancer in Malaysia.
Safra Dragon Boat Club members crowding the famous KFC (Kelantan Fried Chicken) stall selling hot and spicy fried chicken at RM2 a piece. Those who tasted it said it's not as smooth as Kentucky's KFC but the texture makes it even nicer and the coleslaw is great.
The kind people at Indocafe provide free cups of iced-cool Indocafe cofee drinks.
Emily Lau (left) and Farahin at the Evian Facial Spray booth. A 50 ml pack is sold at a promotional price of RM10 and a 150 ml pack at RM25
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