| Lyna Mohamad |
BRUNEI’S participation in the XXI Commonwealth Games does not only signify support for the Commonwealth Games Federation, but to also show the country’s dedication to upgrade local talent in the international sports arena, said His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah.
In his sabda, His Royal Highness, who is the President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council, made the statement at the flag presentation ceremony for the Brunei contingent that will represent the country in the Commonwealth Games yesterday.
His Royal Highness reminded the athletes that their participation sponsored by the organiser should not be taken lightly. His Royal Highness told the athletes to take advantage of the trust given to them to display moral assets as Bruneians as highlighted by 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 in his titah at the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
“Our competitive capabilities comprising physical abilities and strong fighting spirit as well as wisdom play a main role in boosting our spirit in any competition, show your best and I believe that will bring us towards excellence,” said His Royal Highness.
Speaking on discipline matters including ‘Anti-Doping’, His Royal Highness said that national athletes and selected officials must possess discipline, for without it, they are not qualified to represent the country.
The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin said the Lawn Bowling athletes were selected to represent the country based on their performance, achievements and their high potential which was displayed at the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur last year.
The minister said the nation’s continuous participation in the Commonwealth Games – the last being in 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland – portrays the country’s commitment to sports festivals at an international level despite being a small nation.
The minister said the country’s participation also portrays the nation’s commitment towards the Commonwealth organisation and provides a platform for national athletes to compete on an international level to gain experience and exposure.
The minister called on the athletes to demonstrate Bruneian values as well as the nation’s culture and tradition in the international scene as ambassadors of the country.
