Daniel Lim
Sporting activities are not only an avenue to help improve physical well-being, but also a platform to promote and strengthen mental fitness and bonds, especially among family members.
Mukim communal sporting activities in the Belait District encourage and inspire family members to step out of their comfort zone and participate in the activities.
The Belait District Youth and Sports Department in collaboration with the Mukim and Village Consultative Council of Belait District organised communal sporting activities at the Mumong Sports Complex recently.
I attended the sporting activities in the afternoon to learn about how the activities help provide avenues for family members, both young and old, to stay healthy while also interacting with others.
Secretary at the Belait District Youth and Sports Department Jamhari bin Lani explained how important it was for families, especially younger members, to participate in activities such as this as they are vital in securing the future of the nation.
“Activities such as this provide support in strengthening the spirit as we interact and play in a conducive and friendly environment with other youth and family members across Belait District,” he said.
This was evident as more than 14 teams from seven Mukims across the district participated in the sporting activities, which are not only easy to understand but also require cooperation from family members to excel.
These activities included relay races which saw participants tossing balls behind their shoulder to another family member to catch using a basket, to popping balloons using darts. The scores were tracked between each family member.
Jamhari noted that the Belait District Youth and Sports Department will continue to conduct similar activities.
“We want the youth to challenge themselves in not only participating in various sporting activities but also to push themselves beyond their comfort zone,” he said.
He added that there are significant developments made in sports not only in the district but across the nation, such as football, futsal and badminton, serving as an initial stepping stone for them to begin their physical and mental training, as well as to coordinate with others.
He hoped for continued support from parents and guardians as they are one of the major pillars in encouraging and inspiring children to be active and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Meanwhile, besides spending time with family and friends, parents and guardians also joined in the sporting activities.
Parent Azlan bin Haji Emrin said that such activities are beneficial for youth from a health aspect as well as it promotes the sporting activities.
“Sometimes, they might not be aware of various choices of sports available to them, and by participating in these simple to understand sporting activities, they will learn the skills and knowledge that can lead them to more sporting opportunities,” he said, adding that raising youth’s interest in sports can lead them to become future athletes.
The department is also holding several sporting competitions to help increase interest in the district and making it a lifestyle.
