| Faza Suraj |
AN ENTHUSIASTIC crowd of more than 1,000 people gathered yesterday for a noble cause at the ‘Lend-a-Hand, Together We Can Charity Run 2016’. From as early as 5am, the sleepy oil town came alive as participants, their family and friends gradually filled Seria’s Padang Arena.
Organised in conjunction with the 80th Anniversary of Schlumberger in Brunei Darussalam, the event saw participation by people from all over the country from amateurs to running enthusiasts.
The event which was divided into 3km, 5km and 8km categories began with a warm-up session.
Present as the guest of honour was Hasmiron bin Haji Mohd Taib, the Assistant Belait District Officer.
All of the proceeds collected during the event were donated to charity organisations. A cheque for $30,093.41 was presented to the Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei while $20,062.28 was presented to Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam.
According to a spokesperson from Schlumberger, the idea was that the company wanted to celebrate the 80-year milestone by giving back to the community.
“Hence a charity run is the most meaningful way, bringing together the public to lend a hand, because together we can achieve more! Appreciation goes to the many sponsors and supporters who have given their full support in making this event a success,” she added.
The companies include Megalift Sdn Bhd, Powerflex Resources Sdn Bhd, Serikandi Oilfield Services Sdn Bhd, Sehat, SNS Catering and Hotel Services, Techline Transportations Services, Kehasan (B) Sdn Bhd, Khoon Fen Co, Hupjaya Oilfield Services Sdn Bhd and Automac Multiresources Sdn Bhd.
The guest of honour, Hasmiron bin Haji Mohd Taib, the Assistant Belait District Officer; Maen Razouqi, General Manager and VP for Schlumberger Southeast Asia; and other officials during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
ABOVE & BELOW: Participants during the charity run.
Participants posing for a group photo after the run.
Also present at the event was General Manager and VP for Schlumberger Southeast Asia, Maen Razouqi.
A couple from Kg Kiudang, 70-year-old Haji Ariffin bin Abdullah and his wife 49-year-old Husna binti Abdullah, told the Bulletin that running is a part of their family activities.
“We first met each other through training when we were still working,” added Haji Ariffin who said he used to work in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces while his wife is a retired Royal Brunei Police Force personnel.
Husna said that even after retiring, the couple maintained an active lifestyle and have joined many running events. Furthermore, they informed that they will be joining a marathon in Kuala Lumpur in November.
She also said that the charity run was one of the most enjoyable events she has attended.
“Everything felt well-organised and it was easy for us to manoeuvre our way through the route without any difficulties because of the adequate number of road signs,” added Husna. She said the route felt safe enough for the
couple to bring along children during the event.
“We had fun at the warm-up session too,” she chimed while mentioning that the organisers did a great job.
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