The 2007 Siouguluan River International White Water Rafting Competition will kick off on July 20 at Siouguluan River in Hualien County.

The competition is being organized by the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration (ECNSAA). According to an ECNSAA spokeswoman, the competition is designed to develop the east coast's tourism, to promote leisure activities and to develop water sports on Siouguluan River.

Siouguluan River is the largest river on the east coast, which is famous for its rafting. In Taiwan, two rivers offer exciting rafting opportunities -- Siouguluan River and Kaohsiung's Lao Nong River, in southern Taiwan. The best time for rafting on the two rivers is from May to November.

The spokeswoman said the rafting competition starts from Rueisuei Bridge to Changhong Bridge, a total length of 22 km. It will run through the East Coast Mountain Range.

A total of 200 teams will participate in this year's race; each team will have a maximum of six persons, including one captain.

Enrollment has begun now. For further information about enrollment, please call: (02) 2752-5569, ext. 11, or visit the website: www.rafting.url.tw. Fax: (02) 2752-0880.