• Society

Rower Turns Fundraiser for Neang Tavatey Sen Meanchey Boat

• By Chea Youkeang
• November 25, 2023 1:11 PM

PHNOM PENH – Boat racing enthusiast Ren Rortanak gives up his free time for the tough job of raising funds for the Neang Tavatey Sen Meanchey boat in his Kandal province homeland.

Rortanak was a crew member from 2007 to 2019 but now is a member of the boat management committee and wants to preserve this traditional culture.

Originally from Kandal’s Lvea Aem district, Ren Rortanak, a journalist, helps to ensure good solidarity among young and old crew members as well as organizing races in his community and boat sponsorships.

Funds are raised from philanthropists among his friends, colleagues and leaders of institutions.

Rortanak said people are willing to help but it depended on the commitment of the committee and crew to win the competition. When there is no quarrel in the team, impossible things become possible.

“Boat crews are required to have good psychological control to achieve a collective goal. As long as everyone unites, winning or losing is not important,” Rortanak said.

He urges young people to preserve the traditions by starting from small things in their villages.

 As the Water Festival approaches, decorations are being made for boats, especially as more effort is put into training to compete in the event which runs from Nov. 26 to 28.

The Neang Tavatey Sen Meanchey boat is taking part and is prepared for competitions at district and national levels.

It boat was new when it took part in district and provincial competitions last year level as the national event was put off. The previous boat could accommodate 53 crew but this one can fit up to 72 and is 33 meters long.

The old Neang Tavatey Sen Meanchey boat was made in 1993 and won 14 awards.

Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Rin Ousa for Cambodianess.