| James Kon |
MORE than 300 people gathered at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien yesterday for the Reintegration Run 2019, running in support of former inmates and their journeys to be reintegrated into society.
The event was organised by the Prisons Department to mark its 65th anniversary with the cooperation of the Aftercare Brunei Darussalam committee, Brunei Darussalam Athletics Federation and a number of other non-governmental organisations.
The event also saw the participation of Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong and 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 took part in the cycling segment.
Acting Director of the Prisons Department Haji Muhammad ‘Ishamuddin bin Abdullah Juna and senior officials from various ministries also participated.
Themed ‘Change for Better’, Reintegration Run 2019 aimed to raise public understanding and awareness on the struggles of former inmates in reintegrating into society and transitioning back into everyday life with their families.
Its goal is to reduce social stigma against ex-prisoners when they return to the community and their families, as well as to reduce the rate of recidivism among former inmates.
Prior to the run, the Minister of Home Affairs as the guest of honour participated in a warm-up session together with the other participants and representatives from the prison departments of Miri and Limbang.
The Minister of Home Affairs then sounded off the 11km Open Run Category, 11km Veteran Run Category and Fun Run, the latter of which he participated in.
Following the run, the minister toured the event’s side activities at the Taman. Activities included miscellaneous games, a ‘strongest man and woman’ contest, an exhibition, as well as pop-up sales of handicraft made by prisoners.
Deputy Director of Limbang Prison Superintendent Hamad bin Seman was complimentary about the event.
“This is a very good project of the Brunei Prisons Department. It is a very interesting and also challenging event. I managed to finish the 11km category,” he said.
“The event is very good for promoting a healthy lifestyle through exercise and proper bonding between family members.”
Speaking on the cooperation between the Brunei Prisons Department and Limbang Prison Department, he said, “We always share information and exchange views for better cooperation and improvements in our respective operations.”