KUCHING – The “Pirates” of Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus won three top places in all categories at the Sarikei Dragon Boat Festival, recently.
The team finished third in two categories, including the Inter Club classification, and third in another race.
But the icing on the cake for the “Pirates” was winning the Fair Play Trophy for the multicultural composition of its rowers, display of good sportsmanship and a well-organised team.
The team of 16 Malaysian, Danish, German, Kenyan and Bangladeshi students from the university found themselves on the starting line with veteran rowers.
But the relatively young and inexperienced team surprised many in finishing among the top three places although its rowers had little to no experience in boat races of this kind. Each year, new faces join the rowing team as others graduate and leave the club.
“It was a difficult competition for us as we had zero experience with dragon boats,” said Caitlyn Ong, captain of the team.
“But we managed to overcome all the hurdles and gave it our best.”
The regatta was organised by the Sarikei District Office.
The “Pirates” are the reigning champion of the Sarawak Regatta rowing boat race and are looking forward to retain the title in the upcoming competition in September.