| Daniel Lim |
MAJLIS Sukan Polis Di-Raja Brunei was the overall champion in the 30 Rowers Marathon, followed by Persatuan Sungai Bunga, and Waktu Brunei Darussalam, in second and third places in the traditional boat racing competition held along the Belait River yesterday, in conjunction with the 72nd birthday celebration 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.
Participants from across the Belait District competed in six categories: 15 Rowers Open; 20 Rowers Open; 25 Rowers Open; 12 and 15 Rowers for members from government agencies and department in the Belait District; and the 30 Rowers Marathon.
The guest of honour was Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong.
The minister also joined the 15 Rowers category for members from government agencies and departments in Belait, leading the Pasukan Jawatankuasa boat to victory.
The permanent secretaries at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Home Affairs were also involved in the competition, leading the boats for Pasukan Pejabat Hal Ehwal Ugama Daerah Belait, Pasukan Daerah Belait and Pasukan Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Cawangan Operasi ‘B’ Daerah Belait.
Meanwhile, the deputy permanent secretary at the MoHA was among the participants for Pasukan Jabatan Bandaran Kuala Belait dan Seria.
The minister also flagged off the 30 Rowers Marathon, a 20-km race which began near the Rasau Bridge and ended at the waterfront located behind the Menara Cendera Kenangan in Kuala Belait.
The marathon involved seven participating teams: Majlis Sukan Polis Di-Raja Brunei, Persatuan Sungai Bunga, Waktu Brunei Darussalam, Pasukan Daerah Belait, Pasukan Bandaran Gabungan Ugama, Belait Paddlers Team and Pasukan Bravo 995.
The minister presented prizes to the competition winners.
Following the presentation of prizes, the minister received a token of appreciation from the Acting Belait District Officer.