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 morning took part in the Harmonious Family Cycling Recreation in conjunction with this year's National Family Day celebration. The lively atmosphere in the capital could be felt when all walks of life, specifically families, participated in the highlight of the celebration. The activity began and ended at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien in the capital.

Upon arrival, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was greeted by Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Othman, the Minister of Religious Affairs; Yang Berhormat Dato Paduka Doctor Haji Mohd Isham bin Jaafar, the Minister of Health; Yang Berhormat Awang Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof, the Minister of Development as acting Minister of Home Affairs; and Yang Berhormat (Retired) Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. Also in attendance were His Majesty's son and brother, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office; and His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah.

Shortly after arriving, His Majesty signed an artwork produced by a group of children aged between 9 and 11, which portrayed their National Family Day interpretation.

Eight 4-generation families and people with special needs then blew the air horn to mark the start of the Harmonious Family Cycling Recreation event.

The presence of His Majesty among over one thousand cyclists portrayed the Monarch's care towards the efforts in strengthening the family institution in the country. The activity attracted a large number of participation from all walks of life. The event, which coincided with the Bandarku Ceria Programme, further enlivened the atmosphere in Bandar Seri Begawan.

The 11 point 5 kilometre cycling around the capital and covered main roads namely Jalan Pretty; Jalan Elizabeth Dua; Jalan Masjid Omar 'Ali Saifuddien; Jalan Kianggeh; Jalan Sekolah; Jalan Kumbang Pasang; Jalan Gadong; Jalan Perdana Menteri; the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium area; Jalan Pertahanan; Jalan Lapangan Terbang Lama; Jalan Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien; and ended at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien.

The event was co-organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; Ministry of Home Affairs; Ministry of Religious Affairs; and the Ministry of Health. It also involved other ministries and the Brunei Darussalam Cycling Federation. The cycling activity combined the aspects of healthy lifestyle and recreation, and instilled solidarity through sports. Apart from that, it also enhanced family harmony through effective and efficient joint venture programmes towards producing quality society to achieve the Wawasan Brunei 2035.

The presence of His Majesty also reflected the Monarch's diligence to instil a healthy lifestyle in the country by taking part in sports and recreational activities. His Majesty also emphasises the importance of strengthening family institution to create a united and harmonious society.

After the cycling recreation, His Majesty and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince received Pasambah and watched the March Past by families on bicycles and people with special needs. Also participating were families and children who were carrying traditional games.

His Majesty then watched the Tug of War between the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Royal Brunei Police Force, and it ended with a draw.

His Majesty also took part in the Tug of War, which ended with a victory for His Majesty's team.

This year's National Family Day theme 'Keluargaku Penyayang, Negara Gemilang' highlighted the importance of having a loving family, solidarity, caring for one another, respect, and good communication to ensure the future of families, the society and the nation.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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