| Hakim Hayat |
HUNDREDS of athletes and contingents from countries of the 10th BIMPNT-EAGA (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Northern Territory of Australia-East ASEAN Growth Area) Friendship Games 2018 were given a warm welcome at a gala dinner last evening at the Tarindak D’Seni in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Guest of honour 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 welcomed the young athletes to the Sultanate and wished them success.
He added that the Friendship Games is an excellent platform for young athletes to prove their abilities and allow them to compete on a larger stage and forge ties within the BIMPNT-EAGA region.
“The Friendship Games offers an interactive platform for networking and promotes our different cultures, people to people links by showcasing sporting talents,” said the minister.
The minister also presented prizes to top five winners of the Friendship Golf Tournament.
The welcoming dinner was filled with traditional performances comprising Gulingtangan and dances.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Friendship Games Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, heads of foreign mission to Brunei from member countries and also senior officials from member countries were also present.
The 10th BIMPNT-EAGA Friendship Games began on Friday and will conclude today at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.
Themed ‘Friendship Through Sports’, the Games aims to foster friendship among BIMPNT-EAGA members and athletes towards solidarity, understanding and cooperation.
