| Achong Tanjong |
THE Ministry of Education through the Brunei Darussalam Schools Sports Council (MSSBD), Co-Curriculum Education Department yesterday sent 40 athletes and 16 officers to participate in the 10th ASEAN School Games Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia until July 27.
The contingent, led by Acting Director of Co-Curriculum Education Mohamed Jais bin Haji Abdul Rahman as Chef de Mission, will participate in seven sport events: badminton, netball, basketball, athletics, ping pong, swimming and sepak-takraw.
Deputy Minister of Education Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh presented the national flag to the Chef de Mission in a ceremony at the Departure Hall of Brunei International Airport.
The athletes competing are selected students from secondary schools that participated in national championships organised by the Co-Curriculum Education Department and National Sports Association.
They underwent training under the guidance of coaches and assistant coaches as part of their preparation for the championship.
The ASEAN School Games has been organised annually since 2009, with each ASEAN member nation taking turns to host the championship.
The event aims to promote ASEAN solidarity among youth through sports, and provide opportunities for student athletes to showcase their talents while engaging in cultural exchange within the region.
MSSBD hopes the contingent will collect medals this year and give fierce competition to the other participating teams.
Meanwhile, two athletes will compete in the swimming event – Nur Haziq bin Samil and Alvin Bong Jia Lok, led by Team Manager Chong Yun Foh. Nur Haziq will participate in four events: 50m freestyle, and 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke, while Alvin will participate in the 50m freestyle and 50m breaststroke events.