In conjunction with Brunei Darussalam’s 40th National Day celebration, 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 joined his subjects to cycle over 8 kilometres in the Semangat Kebangsaan 2024 Recreational Cycling event in the capital on Sunday morning.
Accompanying His Majesty at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien were His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen and His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah.
Upon 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 as Chairman of the 40th National Day celebration executive committee, and other Cabinet ministers.
The day kicked off with His Majesty officiating the Semangat Kebangsaan 2024 Recreational Cycling and signing a framed jersey commissioned for the occasion and received pesambah from the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, as well as Awang Haji Harith bin Pehin Haji Abdul Aziz, President of Brunei Darussalam Cycling Federation, followed by a group photo with the Brunei Darussalam 40th National Day celebrations Executive Committee.
His Majesty then led the cycling event along the route through Jalan Pretty, turning to Jalan Elizabeth II to Jalan Stoney and cycling to Jalan Haji Basir past Pusar Ulak Primary School and headed to Jalan Kumbang Pasang passing Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Silver Jubilee Park and toward Jalan Perdana Menteri and Jalan RIPAS before returning to Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien.
Later on, His Majesty and members of the royal family joined for a group photo with sponsors of the Brunei Darussalam 40th National Day Celebrations 2024 celebrations.
The cycling event was kicked-off by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports when Awang Amirulmukmenin bin Haji Omar, Prisons Officer at the Prisons Department, Ministry of Home Affairs and lead oath reader at the 40th National Day grand assembly blew the horn.
His Majesty also saw 40 cyclists ride past, including national cycling athletes and clubs under the Brunei Darussalam Cycling Federation led by National Cycling Athlete Pengiran Amar Suriani bin Pengiran Hashim who completed a 40-kilometre ride from 6.45am.
His Majesty and members of the royal family then mingled with participants of the 40th National Day grand assembly made up of performing groups, oath readers, choir, Human LED, youths and members of the public who took the opportunity to meet the monarch.
Earlier in the morning, event participants gathered for a mass Subuh prayer at Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque followed by a talk delivered by Ustaz Haji Awang Muhammad Najib bin Haji Awang, Religious Officer at the Ministry of Religious Affairs. – FADLEY FAISAL
