Thanksgiving for sixteen local athletes of Asean Para Games
By Maya Salleh

Guest of honour and Acting Director of Community Development at the function.

Dyg An Nur Hiyyu, who brought home two gold medals in 100m and 200m runs as well as one silver medal in long jump, accepting contributions.

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports yesterday held a Thanksgiving ceremony at its Di-Gadong Hall for 16 para athletes who represented Brunei at the recent 2nd Asean Para Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The ceremony was attended by the ministry's heads of department and seniors, officers of the Brunei contingent and athletes, who were accompanied by their parents. Dyg Hjh Mordiah Hj Jackia, Acting Director of Community Development, who was also Chef de Mission of the 2nd Asean Para Games, delivered a welcoming address.

"The second Para Games held in Hanoi, Vietnam which ran from December 23 to December 28, 2003, marked an impressive accomplishment by Brunei athletes as they amassed 19 medals in total comprising four gold, ten silver and five bronze.

"I would like to convey my congratulations to our athletes for their disciplined perseverance and commendable collaboration with their officers. To those athletes who did not bring home any medal, do not be disappointed, try again next time."

She added that "the comparably small number of athletes representing Brunei accomplishing such a big success at the Games, shows exemplary capability and also proves that para sports have great potential to be further developed in the country. Towards this goal, the Community Development Department will establish a National Committee on para sports to standardise them for the physically challenged.

"The working committee will be formally incorporated with the Asean Para Sports Federation (ASPF) and subsequently the International Paralympic Federation (IPF).

Both the regional and international organisations will provide assistance in terms of training for athletes with potential as well as for the trainers themselves in order to qualify for the respective sports entered.

The ceremony also saw Pehin Dato Seri Paduka Hj Awg Hussain Pehin Dato Laila Utama Hj Awg Mohd Yusof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, give away contributions from the physically disabled fund to the athletes before presenting certificates of participation in the 2nd Asean Para Games. The event's guest of honour also viewed a gallery of Para Sports.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin