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 took part in the 'Riadah dan Kayuhan Keluarga Harmoni 2017', or the Harmonious Family Recreation and Cycling 2017.

The atmosphere in the capital was lively when all walks of life especially families came together to take part in the highlight of this year's National Family Day. The event began and ended at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Doctor Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs; Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Othman, Minister of Religious Affairs; Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports; and Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi, Minister of Health.

Also present were His Majesty's children and brother, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Wakeel and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah.

The 12-kilometre cycling event began with the release of 20 balloons by child participants. The event was also joined by cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, foreign envoys, permanent secretaries and deputy permanent secretaries, invited guests and the public including foreign nationals.

The cycling route covered main roads namely Jalan Pretty, Jalan Elizabeth Dua, Jalan Masjid Omar 'Ali Saifuddien, Jalan Kianggeh, Jalan Sekolah, Jalan Kumbang Pasang, Jalan Lapangan Terbang Lama, Jalan Muhibbah, Jalan Landasan Lama, Jalan Menteri Besar, Jalan Perdana Menteri, Jalan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha, and ended at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien.

Throughout the route, participants passed by several iconic buildings and historical sites. This includes the Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosque which is one of the nation's landmark, and the New Tamu Sungai Kianggeh Complex, a centre of attraction for tourists where it provides facilities as well as comfort for the people and the vendors.

Participants also passed by several primary and secondary education institutions throughout the capital. This includes the Sultan Omar 'Ali Saifuddien College and Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam Secondary School which are among the oldest secondary schools in the country. The route also covered Jalan Lapangan Terbang lama, Berakas where several government buildings are located.

His Majesty's presence at such an activity portrays the Monarch's determination to inculcate healthy lifestyle in the country by participating in sports and recreational activities. His Majesty also gives serious attention on the importance of strengthening the family institution to create a harmonious and united society. Citizens who are healthy and united are able to establish a country that has a more sustainable and productive human resource that can help in the nation's sustainable development.

Before ending the cycling event, cyclists past by the Clock Tower located on what is also known as the Zero Kilometre mark. Apart from being a historic symbol of the relations between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia, the clock tower is also the point where the first kilometre begins from Bandar Seri Begawan to other areas in the country.

His Majesty and members of the Royal Family then watched a march past by family members comprising of parents, children, grandparents and grandchildren.His Majesty then signed the appreciation plaque.

After the cycling event, His Majesty took a closer look at the atmosphere of the Family Recreation during the Bandarku Ceria Programme. The theme for this year's National Family Day "Keluargaku Penyayang, Negara Gemilang", signifies the importance of a loving, united and caring family. Members of such a family always respect each other, communicate well and share the common responsibility of ensuring the future of the family, society and country.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by Brudirect.com

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