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 led the Royal Birthday Cycling Recreation 2024 around the capital on Sunday to mark the monarch’s 78th birthday celebration.
Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah.
Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Abdul Mu’min also attended the event.
On arrival, His Majesty and members of the royal family were greeted by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad and Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman.
The event was organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in collaboration with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, along with all other ministries and the Brunei Darussalam Cycling Federation (BDCF).
His Majesty also signed a framed jersey and received a pesambah from Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi and BDCF President Haji Harith bin Pehin Haji Abdul Aziz. The monarch later joined members of the organising committee at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien for a group photo session.
His Majesty and members of the royal family along with cyclists travelled the 10.3-kilometre journey around the capital, passing Jalan Pretty, Jalan Elizabeth 2, Jalan Stoney, Jalan Haji Basir, Jalan Kumbang Pasang, Jalan Perdana Menteri, Jalan RIPAS, Jalan SOAS before concluding the ride at the Taman.
His Majesty and the royal family then observed the parade of 78 cyclists, including national athletes and club members from the Brunei Darussalam Bicycle Federation, led by national cyclist Pengiran Amar Suriani bin Pengiran Hashim. The cyclists had embarked on a 78-kilometre journey starting at 6.30 am that was flagged off by Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Nazmi bin Haji Awang Mohamad.
The monarch and royal family also watched the finals of the National Tug of War Championship in categories C-Youth U19 (500 kg Total), Borneo-wide Heavyweight (680 kg Total), and Ministries and Ambassadors Heavyweight (680 kg Total) to mark His Majesty’s 78th birthday celebration.
His Majesty then presented the awards for the National Category C-Youth U19 (500 kg Total), Borneo-wide Heavyweight (680 kg Total), and Ministries and Ambassadors Heavyweight (680 kg Total) categories.
The event aims to promote a healthy lifestyle by diversifying recreational sports activities beyond just running or walking. With participation from all levels, the event fosters community unity through sports activities and contributes to the development of a healthy and active sports community.
