Ilocos Norte to host international rowing regatta on Jan. 14-20, 2013

PAOAY, Ilocos Norte, Dec. 10  — Ilocos Norte will host the 2013 Amateur Rowing Association of the East—Far East Amateur Rowing Association (Arae-Feara) International Regatta.

The event is sponsored by the Manila Boat Club (MBC), the oldest existing sports club in the Philippines, in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte.

The event will be held next year from January 14 to January 20.

“We want to turn Paoay Lake into an International Rowing Centre,” MBC said on its official website. “The lake is 450 hectares of sweet water, overlooking the Malacanang (Palace) of the North; a Greg Norman designed golf course, sandunes and the ocean. Our hospitality is on site, and the airport is only 10 minutes away. It’s a one stop shop.”

The famous Paoay Sand Dunes is also just five minutes away from the lake. A great getaway for another booming sports event in the province, the sand boarding.

At least seven countries leading in the sport will see action during the event, including India, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and United Kingdom.

Paoay Lake is composed of natural freshwater system located a few kilometers south of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. (Cherry Joy Discaya-Garma)