UAE women to debut in boat race

Dubai, July 19: A group of 10 women from the UAE will team up with 23 others in Kerala to take part in the famous snake boat race to be held in Alleppey.

This is the first time a foreign team will compete in the women's category of the colourful water sport, which takes place on the second Saturday of every August.

''We see our participation as a way to connect cultures and make new friends,'' said Julie Amer, founder of Mountain High group and team leader, Gulf News reported.

The UAE expatriates, who do not have experience in boat racing and represent six nationalities, will be supported by 23 paddlers from Kerala's Alleppey Boat Club.

First held in 1952, the chundan vallam (snake boat) race plays a major role in Kerala's tourism.

UNI