Bandar Seri Begawan - Some 200 people are expected to take part in the HIV Awareness Tour Bike Ride to be held at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium, Berakas tomorrow morning.

Being held in conjunction with the World Aids Day which is celebrated every December I, worldwide and organised by the Brunei Darussalam Aids Council (BDAC), a non-Governmental organisation, the highlight of the event is the formation of a giant human and bicycle red ribbon chain.

In a statement featured on its official website http;//hivawarenesstour.webs.com, the event aims to educate the public on HIV/Aids in the community and at the same time raise funds.

It is also an opportunity for Bruneians to address the widespread misperception that HIV/Aids is not a huge problem. Globally, more people are living with HIV/Aids today than ever before. At the same time, it is also promoting a healthy lifestyle through cycling.

"This is a healthy way to meet with other cyclists as they can form relationships with other groups.- said Liyana Latiff, the chairperson for World AIDS Day 2009 and secretary I of BDAC.

In a phone interview with The Brunei Times, Liyana gave an update of the status of the preparations. Everything was in place and the teams are expecting a number of people to sign up for the tour at the last minute.

"We still want to invite a lot of people to join," she said as this served as a chance for people to ride for a good cause and simultaneously, promote awareness on HIV/ Aids.

Those who are planning to submit their forms on the day should come earlier. As the event is scheduled to begin at 7.30 am.

The registration fee for the bike tour is $30 and registered cyclists will receive a goodie bag as well as a T-shirt as a souvenir to remember the event.

Participants will also stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes such as a night's stay and afternoon tea at The Empire Hotel and Country Club, vouchers for buffet dinner at The Rizqun International Hotel's Coffee House, bicycles and stationary exercise bicycles, hampers, eCash cards and My Dream Accounts from Standard Chartered Bank.

The 50km route will take cyclists on a scenic tour of the Brunei-Muara District. Starting at the stadium, cyclists will ride along Jalan Sg Akar to Tutong-Muara Highway to Jerudong Park and back to the stadium.

There is still time for people to join the bike tour or take part in forming the giant red ribbon chain where the only requirement is to wear red. Participating in the red ribbon formation is free.

The guests of honour who will be joining the bike tour are the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Data Seri Setia Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar, who is an avid cyclist, and Danny Quah, the Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank.-- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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