1MIDBF

DRAGON BOAT RACING PAST & PRESENT

Dragon boat racing originated more than 2,000 years ago in Asia as a traditional festival that evolved from myths and legend.

Multi colored boats were decorated with ferocious-looking dragonheads, scaly bodies and elaborate tails that rose out of the sea. They were up to 43 feet in length and just wide and long enough for twenty two people to seat in.

Strong and experienced men were required to power a competitive boat so fishermen were recruited to become oarsmen. Crews also included a leader, a steersman and a drummer.

Modern dragon boat racing is organized at an international level by the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF). The IDBF, a Member of the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) recognizes two types of Dragon Boat Racing activities, namely Sport racing, as practiced by IDBF member organisations; and Festival racing, which are the more traditional and informal types of races, organized around the world, where racing rules vary from event to event.

Over the past 25 years, and especially since the formation of the IDBF and its Continental Federations for Asia and Europe, the sport of dragon boating has gradually spread beyond Asia to Europe, North America, Australia and Africa, becoming a popular international sport with a growing number of participants.

Today, dragon boat racing (Sport and Festival) is among the fastest growing of team water sports, with thousands of participants in various organizations and clubs in over 60 countries, 62 of which are IDBF members (Jan 08) and has become one of Asian Games 2010, China. The sport is recognized for the camaraderie, strength and endurance fostered amongst participants, and has also become a very popular corporate and charitable sport.

Thus, 2010 marks the 2nd year of the International Dragon Boat Festival ( 1MALAYSIA INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL, PUTRAJAYA 2010- 1MIDBF). which has become one of the most important and prestigious Dragon Boat event in ASEAN region. The event is an exceptional tool for generating worldwide interest and coverage for the country.

Objectives:

The 1Malaysia International Dragon Boat Festival 2010 as a national sport and tourism promotion event is designed to:

Combine the beautiful scenery and landscape of Putrajaya with a leading edge water sport to...

Create cutting-edge images of a compelling country and corporations, well planned government administration centre that...

Generate worldwide marketing and business opportunities for Malaysia, Title Sponsor, and Associated Entities;

Support Malaysian Dragon Boat Athletes while promoting multiracial fellowship; and

Establish traditions that will amplify Malaysia’s already-growing global presence in business, sport and culture and to make Putrajaya, Malaysia as the center hub of the dragon boat race in the Asia Region.

Promote the acceptance of 1Malaysia Concept and further strengthen unity to ensure stability towards achieving progress and development for the people and country.