Highland Vanue To Host Prancing Lions

MALAYSIA’S biggest and most established lion dance championship is back!

The 14th Malaysia National Lion Dance Championship 2009 will be held in Genting Highlands from Nov 20 to 22, with prizes worth up to RM40,000 up for grabs.

Organised by Genting – City of Entertainment and the Selangor & Federal Territory Lion and Dragon Dance Association, the biennial national event is expected to attract 40 of the best lion dance troupes from all over Malaysia.

Speaking at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, Selangor & Federal Territory Dragon and Lion Dance Association chairman Leong Lik Thong announced that the championship would be divided into two categories — Single Lion Category and Double Lions Category.

Let the lions roar!: (First row, from left) Federation of Selangor & Federal Territory Dragon and Lion Dance Association officers Lim Seng Chia, Lai and Yap, Wong, Leong and Siow and other invited guests at the press conference.

The Two Lions category, which is being introduced for the first time, will involve two lions performing thrilling stunts in the court, which guarantees a more challenging and breathtaking competition among the lion dance troupes.

Also at the press conference were Federation of Selangor & Federal Territory Dragon and Lion Dance Association officers Siow Hong Phiew, Yap Chee Keong and Lai Shee Lum, and Genting Malaysia Berhad promotion and entertainment department assistant manager Wong Kok Chee.

The champion in the Single Lion category will receive RM10,000, while the first, second and third runners-up will take home RM6,000, RM3,000 and RM2,000 respectively. The teams will also receive a trophy and medals.

The four other finalists will receive RM1,000 each.

In the Double Lions category, the champion will receive RM5,000, while the first and second runners-up will take home RM3,000 and RM2,000 respecively. The teams will also receive a trophy and medals.

The two consolation winners will receive RM800 each.

The championship will be held for three days. The preliminary rounds will be held on Nov 20 and 21, while the grand finals will take place on Nov 22. The competition will begin at 2pm and end at 10pm daily.

Genting WorldCard members can watch the preliminary rounds for free by redeeming entry passes at the Genting WorldCard Centre in Genting Highlands or at Genting Sales Offices.

While the ticket price for the grand finals will be announced later (log on to Genting’s website for more info), Genting WorldCard members will be entitled to a special discount.

Infants and children below three years old will not be admitted for the shows, while children aged three years and above require tickets for admission.

For details and ticket reservations, log on to www.genting.com.my or call 03-2718 1118.