Ooredoo Maldives is to host this year’s edition of their annual fishing competition in August.
The highly anticipated Ooredoo Masrace 2023 is to be hosted across four cities of the Maldives, as part of the 18th Anniversary celebrations.
This year, the Ooredoo Masrace, which has become an integral part of the communities across Maldives every year, promises a prize pool of MVR 160,000.
Ooredoo Maldives announced its partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture during a press conference held on a fishing boat on Thursday, where registrations were also opened.
The event is to kick off in Malé City on August 4 and in Kulhudhuffushi City on August 11.
Further, the Ooredoo Masrace will kick off in Addu City on August 18, followed by Fuvahmulah City on August 25.
Ooredoo Maldives noted that since its introduction, their annual fishing competition has captured the hearts of communities nationwide and brought people together through the joy of fishing.
Promising a bigger and more exciting event this year, Ooredoo revealed that interested participants in the four cities may register their teams via the online portal from June 15 until July 1.
The telecom provider expressed pride in hosting the event that showcases the rich fishing heritage of the Maldives.
We are excited to join hands with the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture in organizing Ooredoo Masrace 2023. As we are about to celebrate the 18th Anniversary of our journey here in the Maldives, we have extended the competition to all four cities of the nation enabling more people to join the fun and excitement of Ooredoo Masrace. As a community focused company, we invite all fishing enthusiasts to join us and be a part of the biggest fishing competition of the Maldives."Khalid Al-Hamadi, Ooredoo Maldives Managing Director and CEO.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan encouraged youth participation in such events as it “not only” fosters a sense of companionship but also allows them to connect with traditional values.
We are delighted to partner for Ooredoo Masrace 2023, a significant event that celebrates our fishing heritage. Together, we aim to empower our communities to uphold our traditions and spread awareness on safeguard our marine resources for future generations. I encourage our youth participation in events such as this, as it not only fosters a sense of companionship but also allows them to connect with our traditional values."Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hassan, Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture.
Teams will be allowed to purchase Masrace Kits for MVR 150 per kit, which will include MasRace Koari and a T-shirt, upon submitting registration forms.
All teams consisting of 12 members, including the captain and officials will be eligible to contest.
A maximum of 30 teams will be competing from each city, with a minimum participation of 12 teams.
A draw will be conducted to select the participating teams in the case the company receives an overwhelming number of registrations within the deadline.
The company revealed that teams that are not selected will be entitled to a full refund.
The competition promises a cash prize of MVR 25,000 for the team that wins first place, followed by a MVR 10,000 cash prize to be awarded for the runner up.
The team that comes in third will win a cash prize of MVR 5,000.
Further, Ooredoo Masrace 2023 promises a cash prize of MVR 1,000 to the best fisherman, as well as a MVR 1,000 cash prize for the best fisherwoman.
The prizes are worth MVR 160,000.
Government institutions, corporates, and the general public have been invited to join the event, which not only promises thrilling competition but also celebrates the fishing culture of Maldives.
The event also provides a platform for individuals to showcase traditional fishing techniques.