Thousands took to the streets of the capital in a mass cycling event yesterday, to commemorate the 46th anniversary of the renaming of Bandar Brunei to Bandar Seri Begawan.

The event was also held to mark the 11th National Youth Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with several cyclists wearing pink ribbons, the international symbol of breast cancer care.

But what made the event truly special was the participation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni AI-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang DiPertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and other members of the royal family.

Several cyclists, including foreign nationals, told the Bulletin that the monarch's presence made the recreational activity more meaningful for them.

Professor Dr Eric Dimla, Dean at the Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), said that he found His Majesty's participation "very encouraging".

Expressing his astonishment at the growing popularity of physical exercise in Brunei, which was once ranked among the top countries in terms of obesity, Professor Dr Dimla also said that he wanted to see more physical activities being held on a regular basis.

Alan Harvey, an instructor at the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF), also expressed his pleasure at being able to take part in the event.

Yesterday's event also provided an opportunity for associations, clubs, families and even work colleagues to bond together.

For Mohd Hamzah bin Rosli, who joined 30 of his colleagues who are engineers and technical personnel from the Equipment and Maintenance Department at the Ministry of Defence, the event was "a truly worthwhile experience on a Sunday morning".

Among the special needs cyclists who took part in the event was Haji Noor Ishanuddin bin Haji Noorkaseh, who said that he would always consider taking part in such activities.

Nurul Aini Irdahyu, a Malaysian expatriate, joined in the fun with her two young daughters, and praised His Majesty for setting a good example.

"His Majesty not only talks about the importance of fitness, but actually leads by example," she said.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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