By Kenny Romanus – Online Contributor
Copyright postcourier
The iconic Gogodala Canoe Race kicked off the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations in Balimo today, bringing colour, culture, and excitement to the district.
Residents woke to the echoes of traditional war cries as canoe racers prepared at the District Office waterfront, where the canoes were stationed.
The fleet then paddled out of Kabili Lagoon to Kimama Village, where the race officially began, before returning to finish at the District Administration waterfront in Balimo town.
A total of 22 canoes took part, including 19 A-grade and 3 B-grade entries. Each canoe, uniquely designed with vibrant colours and symbolic clan emblems, showcased the identity and pride of its people.
The number of paddlers on board depended on the canoe’s size, with the longest three carrying up to 70 A-grade racers each.
All wards from Aramia Gogodala LLG were represented, with thousands of spectators traveling from nearby villages to witness the spectacle.
The last canoe festival was held in 2020, during the late Roy Biyama’s tenure as MP, when Prime Minister James Marape officiated the event.
Meanwhile, the winners of today’s race are yet to be announced, with presentations scheduled for later during the official ceremony.
