| Hakim Hayat |
A CELEBRATORY atmosphere was visible in Bandar Seri Begawan yesterday morning, as over 1,000 cyclists took to the main streets of the capital in the Golden Jubilee Recreational Cycling event, to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of 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’s Accession to the Throne.
Just days after marking an historical event full of pomp and pageantry that saw the monarch being carried in the Royal Chariot during the Golden Jubilee Procession, His Majesty was back in the capital again, this time to lead the recreational cycling activity which is hoped to promote an active and healthy lifestyle among all levels of society.
The activity that began and ended at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien also witnessed His Majesty signing a billboard, proclaiming cycling as a national pastime.
The past few years have seen an increasing trend of Bruneians taking up cycling, as evidenced by the increased presence of cyclists on Brunei roads, especially during weekends.
Among the members of the royal family joining the recreational cycling event were 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 Mateen; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah.
Also present was Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Abdul Mu’min.
On arrival at the Taman, His Majesty was greeted by Cabinet Ministers including Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.
Following the declaration of cycling as a national pastime, 50 balloons signifying 50 years of His Majesty’s reign, were released by 50 youth representatives from different organisations at the Taman, marking the start of the event.
The 11.5km route, led by His Majesty, featured cyclists from all walks of life using bicycles of varying make, colours and specification, along the main streets of Jalan Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, Jalan Kianggeh, Jalan Sekolah, Jalan Kumbang Pasang, Jalan Perdana Menteri, Jalan Haji Basir, Jalan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha.
Also joining in the event were senior govern-ment officials, including Cabinet Ministers.
Back at the Taman, His Majesty witnessed the return of 50 cyclists from all four districts who had flagged off earlier in the morning for a 50km route. The cyclists comprised national cycling athletes and representatives from the government and private sectors, as well as from local associations.
Before departing from the event, His Majesty also took his time to look closer at the ‘BandarKu Ceria’, held every Sunday in the capital, showcasing numerous activities by different government and private agencies, and also individuals.
Members of the public took the opportunity to congratulate the monarch on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee, many taking photos with His Majesty and members of the royal family, a clear testament to the strong bonds between the monarch and his subjects.
The national contingent which took part and excelled in the recent 9th Asean Paralympics Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, also made an appearance at yesterday’s cycling event.
The activity was the result of a joint effort by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Development, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Health together with the Brunei Darussalam Cycling Federation.
In a statement, the MCYS said that the cycling event demonstrates the recognition, honour and encouragement given to sporting activities in the country, which are being accorded similar prominence as other social sectors, in meeting the objectives of continuous nation-building, solidarity and stability.
“The event’s success is a testament to the effectiveness of a ‘whole-country approach’ that involves people from all walks of life, including those from the government and non-government sectors,” said the MCYS statement.
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