‘A day filled with patriotism’
Some 60 persons with different abilities (OKU) under the Council for the Welfare of Persons with Different Abilities (MKOKU) joined thousands of people in this year’s grand assembly of Brunei Darussalam’s 41st National Day Anniversary Celebration yesterday.
MKOKU Vice President Haji Sahari bin Haji Tinggal said, “As part of the OKU community, I have never missed participating in the grand assembly of Brunei Darussalam’s National Day anniversary celebration. Today is a meaningful day for us – a day filled with patriotism, where physical differences do not matter, as our hearts and spirits unite with the nation in celebrating our independence. It is a moment where we can make our voices heard, standing proudly alongside everyone.”
He added, “We hope that the nation, especially the younger generation, will appreciate and value the National Day celebration as a reflection of our country’s sovereignty, just like in other nations. Despite being a small country, we also hold the same rights on both the regional and global stage.” – James Kon
41 wushu athletes add colour
The Wushu Federation of Brunei Darussalam joined the parade for the first time as its own group at Brunei Darussalam’s 41st National Day celebration at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien yesterday.
Wushu Federation of Brunei Darussalam President Lim Boon Hwa in an interview with the Bulletin said, “I have participated in the parade for many years, and in previous years, the Wushu team joined by merging with other groups. This year, we took part as an independent team, forming our own group of 41 wushu athletes.”
He added, “It is an honour to have our own team, and I am proud to have led the group in the parade.
“Our athletes proudly marched in the parade wearing traditional Wushu attire, with some as young as eight years old.
He said, “Our athletes will be heading to China next month for a month’s intensive training to prepare for the Southeast Asian Games and other competitions.” The president hoped Brunei Wushu will continue to bring glory for the country in the upcoming competition. – James Kon
PHOTO: JAMES KON
