RTB BRUNEI 27FEBRUARY2017 (NEWS)

The 'Bandarku Ceria' event yesterday was a blast with the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien and the capital filled by the members of public to participate the Kayuhan Semangat Hari Kebangsaan 2017.

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 graced and enlivened the event by taking part in the cycling activity, accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Wakeel; Her Royal Highness Princess Azemah Ni'matul Bolkiah; and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah.

The royal families were greeted upon arrival by Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi, Minister of Health; Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture and Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs.

Thirty balloons and 3 birds were released by child participants to mark the start of the event.
Along the route, the cyclists passed a number of iconic monuments and historic places frequently visited by tourists. They included Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Mosques which is a world famous national landmark and the Bandar Seri Begawan Royal Wharf's Art Gallery which was previously the Royal Customs and Excise building. The cycling in the National Day spirit event not only promoted Bandar Seri Begawan to the tourists but also showcased the true beauty of the capital.

The ride also saw the participation of Cabinet Ministers, deputy ministers, foreign envoys, permanent secretaries and deputy permanent secretaries passed by main roads including Jalan Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien, Jalan Haji Basir, Jalan Kumbang Pasang, Jalan Perdana Menteri, Jalan Tasek and Jalan Kianggeh.


This was followed by a parade of 33 cyclists aged fifty years and above for the Classic Bicycles, 33 youth riders riding 'fixie' bikes and 33 children riding children's bicycles. The number 33 was symbolic of the 33rd National Day.

Also participating in the parade were 18 classic bicycle riders which drew the crowd's attention. The group was led by its chairman PW1 (Rtd) Haji Aminudin bin Haji Abdul Karim.

The Monarch also received a Pasambah. Each time His Majesty graces an activity like today's cycling event, is a golden opportunity for the people to join their beloved Monarch in pursuing and championing the healthy lifestyle.

The event merges the healthy living and recreation aspects with the nation's unity through the appreciation of sports culture.

Establishing a healthy community is important towards achieving Brunei Vision 2035 and is in line with this year's National Day theme 'Accomplishing the National Vision'.

With the participation and cooperation from all levels of the community, the event is proven to be quite effective in making the nation's development programmes a success.