| Lyna Mohamad |
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 yesterday joined thousands of cyclists for the Semangat Kebangsaan 2019 Recreational Cycling in the capital.
It was held in conjunction with the 35th National Day celebration. His Majesty was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah.
Upon arrival at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, His Majesty was greeted by 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, as Chairman of the 35th National Day Celebration Executive Committee, as well as other Cabinet Ministers.
Shortly after, His Majesty launched the Semangat Kebangsaan 2019 Recreational Cycling event and signed a framed jersey that had been specially commissioned for the occasion.
His Majesty then led the 11.50km cycling event along a route through Jalan Pretty, Jalan Elizabeth II, Jalan Masjid Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien, Jalan Kianggeh, Jalan Sekolah, Jalan Kumbang Pasang, Jalan Gadong, Jalan Perdana Menteri and Jalan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha, before heading back to the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien. Back at the Taman, His Majesty and other members of the royal family witnessed a march-past by 35 cyclists from 13 government ministries, alongside members of the Brunei Darussalam Cycling Federation, who had earlier taken part in the 35km event.
Also joining the march-past were youth of various age groups.
His Majesty also watched several performances by trainees under the National Service Programme (PKBN), which included an exercise drill and displays in self-defence techniques.
His Majesty then received a pesambah presented by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, before mingling with families of the PKBN trainees, the 35km event cyclists and the youth participants in the march-past.
Visitors to the event, including expatriates and tourists, took the opportunity to greet and pose for photos with His Majesty and members of the royal family while His Majesty made his way for a closer look at the Bandarku Ceria activities and exhibits being showcased by government ministries, national sporting associations and private agencies.
Among the activities on display were a kite-flying contest, and a Jawi competition, as well as traditional games such as Pasang, Congkak, Salok-Salokan and Buah-Buah Lapas.
The Semangat Kebangsaan 2019 Recreational Cycling was jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; the Ministry of Home Affairs; the Ministry of Religious Affairs; the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism; the Ministry of Defence; the Ministry of Health; the Ministry of Education; the Ministry of Transport and Info-communications, together with the involvement of other ministries and the Brunei Darussalam Cycling Federation.