23rd National Day Field Practice Begins At The Taman
By Rosli Abidin Yahya, P Marilyn & Za'im Zaini

Bandar Seri Begawan - More than 3,000 students from secondary schools throughout Brunei Muara District demonstrated their enthusiasm and patriotism as they took part in a rehearsal of the main field performance of the 23rd National Day celebration for the first time at the celebration venue, the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali, Saifuddien in the capital, yesterday morning.

The field rehearsal was witnessed by Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dato Paduka Hj Jemat Hj Ampal and other senior officers.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports has been assigned to organise the general assembly of the 23rd National Day celebration this year.

In all, some 7,000 students had been practising their performances to perfection at the Indoor Stadium, Hassanal Bolkiah Sports Complex and at the Multi-Purpose Hall in Berakas since January 16.

Hanafah Hj Zaini, the Secretary of Parade for the 23`d National Day celebration, told the Bulletin that "there are 3 levels of rehearsals; the first rehearsal began yesterday and ends on February 9 involving schools and colleges that rehearse the core group performance". He added that the field performance is divided into four segments.

From February 12-14, the whole Taman will be virtually packed with all 7,000 students taking part in the rehearsals. Full dress rehearsals involving 170 teams and more than 15,000 people including uniformed personnel and participants from ministries, government agencies, schools and colleges, public organisations and private sector companies will take place at the Taman from February 15-22.

Going by the theme "Iltizam Memperkasa Keupayaan Bangsa" or "Commitment Empowers National Capability", the 23`d National Day this year will be celebrated on Friday, February 23.

As in the past, the celebrations actively encourage participation of locals and residents regardless of age, ethnicity and culture.

Meanwhile, a rehearsal for the hoisting of a huge national flag also took place yesterday morning at the open area of the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex in the capital.

The flag hoisting that will take place in the next few days will mark the commencement of the 23" National Day celebrations, and members of the population will also be expected to start raising the national flags or private flags at their residences, offices and buildings.

The capital and its surrounding areas' are currently being decorated with banners and billboards promoting the 23rd National Day celebrations. Streetlights are currently been checked thoroughly before they are to be lit up to fill the capital with magnificent colourful illuminations.

The capital is seen as the appropriate host for this year's National Day celebrations as its ambience can promote the spirit of independence and - nationalism.

"This is my second time participating in the field performance. The last time was two years ago." 15-year-old SOAS College student Ak Sulaidnan bin Pg Hj Aman told the Bulletin " I have been practising since last January and I look forward to performing on the 23'd National Day."

The national spirit was also shared by 15-year-old Siti Anmmal lzzati from Rimba Secondary School. "1'rm looking forward to this Year's National Day celebrations." he said. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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