2 Bruneians shine in skiing
| James Kon |
SKIING is definitely not a recreational nor a sporting activity in a tropical country like Brunei Darussalam, however two young Bruneian athletes surprised participants from the Dream Programme 2013 when they came in for first and second place at the ski competition for beginner group.
Held at at the Alpensia Resort of Gangnueng, Republic of Korea, first place went to Md Shahriffpudin Md Salleh while the second place went to Mohd Qazzri Fakhri bin HJ Aslimon.
Brunei’s head of delegation, Miss Umi Kalthum Abd Karim, in a group picture with Md Shahriffpudin Md Salleh and Mohd Qazzri Fakhri bin Hj Aslimon
The duo competed with 21 participants from eight countries, including Asia, Africa and Central America.
Brunei’s head of delegation, Miss Umi Kalthum Abd Karim, in the Dream Programme after the rare achievement said, “I am so proud of them. I knew that they will be going to complete the competition in the top five ranking but a one and two finish is a milestone achievement. They have always done well and worked hard during each training session. And now they have made our country well known in the programme by winning the top two positions. ”
Miss Umi Kalthum Abd Karim added, “both Md Shahriffpudin Md Salleh and Mohd Qazzri Fakhri bin Hj Aslimon are national champions in their respective sports and event. Md Shahriffpudin Md Salleh is a long distant runner, while Mohd Qazzri Fakhri bin HJ Aslimon is a golfer. They have been trained as great competitors and they have proven that in the competition.”
“I would like to convey my appreciation to the Brunei National Olympic Council for giving the sports school students a chance to join the programme as well as to the Korean Embassy for the invitation and the Ministry of Education for the continuous support to the Sports School.”
Another Bruneian student who joined the programme was Florence Sea Wen Lyn.
The prime objective of the programme is to fulfill the promise with the international sports world to expand the base of sports by inviting young people from countries where winter sports are not available and providing them with systematic training (experience) of winter sports and in the meantime promote the exchanging of culture and friendship among youth from all over the world.
One-hundred-sixty to six young athletes from 40 countries, including Brunei, will participate in the Winter Sports Academy where they will receive systematic and professional training from Korean Olympic medalists and national team level athletes. They will also have the opportunity to build friendship with young individuals from other countries.
