Response For Ows Tournament In Pulau Redang Encouraging - Oceanman Redang

KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 (Bernama) -- Oceanman Redang Malaysia will be organising an Open Water Swimming (OWS) competition in Pulau Redang, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu on Aug 26 and 27.

Oceanman Redang Malaysia in a statement said, several categories will be contested, including Oceanteams (3x500 metre (m)), Oceankids (500m), Sprint (2 kilometres (km), Half OCEANMAN (5km) and marquee OCEANMAN (10km) race.

It said, the event had attracted 400 confirmed participants and is expecting the number to rise with a special discount given for registration.

The statement said besides offering attractive packages; the OWS is also expected to attract participants who seek health benefits by joining an open-water swimming competition, may it be for their physical or mental health.

“Attractive registration packages aside, competing in OWS has many health benefits including sculpting a leaner physique through muscle toning. Furthermore, the sport has worked wonders to improve an individual’s overall mental well-being,” the statement said. 

It said, the tournament also could serve as a medium to relieve stress and improve the performance among participants.

“Some individuals have even said they stopped taking anti-depression medication after swimming in open water, while others rejoice the fact that the sport has helped them with insomnia and even managing mood swings better,” the statement added. 

According to the statement, both experienced and first-timer participants alike are encouraged to join, without needing to worry about safety as the organizer obligates the use of safety equipment for all its competitions.

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s own two-time Olympian (2000 & 2004 Olympics) Allen Ong in the statement shared his thoughts on the promising prospects of participating in OWS and specifically, Oceanman Redang Malaysia.

Allen advised future participants to make mental preparation and practice how to sight the race markers, pacing, and drafting techniques.

“It may sound daunting, but with enough practice beforehand, anyone would be able to enjoy their open water debut,” he said.

On his experience of joining previous Oceanman tournaments, Allen said: “What I realized is that swimming in the ocean can be fun, but also challenging at the same time. Even if you are a great swimmer, ocean swimming is completely different as you need to sight for your own directions, and not let the waves push you from your target”.

With the event being held at Pulau Redang, one of Malaysia’s most well-known islands, the event has received strong advocates from Terengganu tourism players; the statement said. 

According to the statement, The Malaysia Association Hotel (MAH) Terengganu Chapter chairman Suwaibah Harun said there are accommodation bookings ahead of the event. 

“We are proud to be part of this prestigious event in Pulau Redang. We have already seen a rise in accommodation bookings, and with the special discounts given by the organizer for the additional and new event registrations, we are confident the island will be abuzz with excitement,” she said.

Those interested to take part in the OCEANMAN can register through their website http://oceanmanswim.com/redang-malaysia and seize the opportunity to get their special discounted rate for Malaysians through http://www.atlantians.academy/oceanmanredang.

-- BERNAMA