| James Kon |
BRUNEI Darussalam is very fortunate to be handed the opportunity to compete in the 3rd Summer Youth Olympic Games, Buenos Aires under the ‘Universality Places’ and having the costs of the airfare and accommodation for its three Olympic athletes being borne by the International Olympic Council.
It is a massive privilege, one which on top of the huge honour of carrying the Brunei Darussalam national flag at the Games, should not be taken for granted.
Passing on this advice delivered by President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BDNOC) His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, in a sabda was 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 when addressing the country’s national athletes during the national flag handing over ceremony held at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.
His Royal Highness in his sabda added his hope that the Brunei contingent will always be on their best behaviour in Buenos Aires to maintain the good image of Brunei Darussalam.
This year Brunei Darussalam is sending a seven-member contingent to the Games, comprising three athletes and four officials.
The athletes are Nur Haziq bin Samil, who will compete in the 100m freestyle and 400m freestyle swimming events; Ashley Chai Xin Rou, to compete in the 50m backstroke and 50m freestyle swimming events; and Nurul Amirah binti Karim, who will be running in the 1,500m track and field race.
On Brunei’s participation in the Games, His Royal Highness said that Brunei’s involvement “is a responsibility for Brunei as affiliate members of the International Olympic Committee in line with regulation 27.3 of the Olympic Charter where is the competition is open to athletes who are between 15 and 18 years old”.
Athletes must however be qualified in their respective sports before they can represent their countries. Countries whose athletes are not qualified to participate in the Games are given ‘Universality Places’ to enable their best athletes to represent their countries, as is the case with Brunei.
His Royal Highness also reminded the Brunei contingent to always maintain discipline and refrain from taking prohibited substances and comply with the anti-doping regulations enforced by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports added that His Royal Highness has advised the athletes to always be careful and maintain safety and take care of their health, to be at a state of peak competitiveness and mindset to perform at their best.
In addition, His Royal Highness called on the athletes to take the chance to increase their knowledge and exchange ideas in their respective sports fields during the Games, and make full use of the Olympic Movements programme arranged by the IOC and the host nation.
Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan in his own speech stated his belief that all three athletes will do their best and able to compete well.
“You must demonstrate high spirit to compete and show great professionalism. Grab this golden opportunity to bring success for the name of the country in the elite level,” the minister told the athletes.
“You all should also maintain our national philosophy and be proud of the unique Bruneian values. Fly the Brunei Darussalam national flag with pride and respect during your time in Buenos Aires, Argentina.”
Following his speech, the minister handed over the national flag to Chef de Mission of the Brunei Darussalam contingent Faisal bin Yunus.