| Hakim Hayat |
THOUSANDS of cyclists gathered at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien yesterday, where they set off on a test of endurance, as they participated in a 57km cycling expedition held in conjunction with Royal Brunei Armed Forces’ (RBAF) 57th anniversary.
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, Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the RBAF, also led cyclists of the special 12km cycling route that passed through the main roads of Bandar Seri Begawan.
Upon arrival, His Majesty and members of the royal family were welcomed by Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, and Commander of the RBAF Major General Pengiran Dato Paduka Seri Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud.
Also taking part in the 12km route segment which began and ended at the Taman were His Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and First General of the RBAF; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Captain (U)Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
Earlier, the 57km cycling expedition was also flagged off at the Taman, seeing the participation of 1,057 RBAF personnel and members of the public.
The expedition covered several main roads in Bandar Seri Begawan, making passes through Tasek Meradun, Kampong Sengkurong, Kampong Jerudong, Tungku Highway, Gadong, and Jame’ ‘Asr Hassanil Bolkiah, before finally ending at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien.
Prior to the flag off, a religious programme Masjidku Makmur, Negara Berkat was held at the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, beginning with a mass Subuh prayer followed by a religious talk that touched on the responsibilities of defending the nation’s peace delivered by Captain Mohammad Ayza Azrine bin Ayahani from the RBAF Religious Department.
His Majesty then proceeded to tour the booths and exhibitions set up by event sponsors and various organisations, such as the RBAF Medical Services Reception (MRS) and Ministry of Health (MoH), as well as a military recruitment roadshow.
The day also saw a donation from the RBAF to the Sulawesi Disaster Humanitarian Fund being handed over by Minister of Defence II to 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, who is co-advisor of the fund’s committee.
The Minister of Defence II and Commander of the RBAF also presented prizes to the winners of the different categories of the recently concluded 100km Inter-Service Cycling Race, also held in conjunction with the RBAF’s 57th anniversary.
The RBAF Commander also launched the RBAF Fund for Orphans.