His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, yesterday morning, joined the 'Semangat Kebangsaan 2018' Cycling Recreation. The event which was held in conjunction with the 34th National Day celebration, was began and ended at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien, in the capital.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Doctor Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs, Yang Berhormat Dato Paduka Dr. Awang Haji Md Isham bin Jaafar, Minister of Health, Yang Berhormat Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports as the Chairman of the celebration's Executive Committee as well as other cabinet ministers.

Shortly after arrival, His Majesty launched the 'Semangat Kebangsaan 2018' Cycling Recreation, followed by the release of a giant sized balloon with banner and regular sized balloons. The regular sized balloons were released by 34 participants of the 13th Youth-Love The Nation Program, PBCTA.

His Majesty then led the 11 point 5-kilometre cycling event covering several main roads in the capital. Also present were His Majesty's sons and brother, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah.

The cycling event attracted the interest and participation of the public from all walks of life, simultaneously held with the Bandarku Ceria programme, in further enlivening the Bandar Seri Begawan atmosphere. The event was also participated by the Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries, and members of the public as well as foreign nationals.

The event passed through main roads namely Jalan Pretty; Jalan Elizabeth 2, Jalan Masjid Omar Ali Saifuddien; Jalan Kianggeh; Jalan Sekolah; Jalan Kumbang Pasang; Jalan Gadong; Jalan Perdana Menteri; and Jalan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha before heading back to the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar Ali Saifuddien.

The heavy rain which fell continuously since early morning did not hinder the cycling event to be held as planned. As citizens and residents of the country, we should be grateful as the Monarch never disappoints the hope and desire to make the event successful in particular to celebrate the National Day. Even in the heavy rain, His Majesty and members of the royal family continue to lead the participants until the finishing line. The enthusiasm and leadership shown by His Majesty raised the spirits of those witnessing in the event.

Apart from recreation activity, the event was also able to strengthen relations among the citizens and residents, further stabilizing the harmonious ties between the leader and the people as well as unity in the community. The success of the event reflects the whole of Nation Approach involving all levels of the community including the government and non-governmental organisations is effective, even more when it is utilised in the country's development programmes.

The monarch's participation in the rainy and wet conditions showed his determination to nurture a healthy lifestyle in the country by participating in sports and recreation activities. His Majesty also highlighted the importance of strengthening the family institution in order to generate a united and harmonious community.

His Majesty and members of the Royal family then viewed a performance by 374 trainees of the National Service Programme, PKBN's 7th intake. Included in the performance were exercise and self-defence movements.

This was followed by a parade of 34 cyclists who departed earlier in the morning, comprising members of cycling clubs from the four districts who participated in the 34-kilometre event. The march past was also participated by 34 child cyclists.

His Majesty then received a 'pasambah' from the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.

His Majesty's participation in such an event has become a platform and opportunity for the citizens and residents to carry out physical activities together. Healthy and united citizens are able to create a country that possesses a more sustainable human resource, productive and can help the country to develop more sustainably. The 'Semangat Kebangsaan' Cycling Recreation was jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Health aside from the participation of other Ministries and the Brunei Darussalam Cycling Association. 

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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