BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam led Team Rajawali to victory in the 15-paddlers fibre glass special event yesterday during the Regatta Brunei Darussalam 2015. The participation and presence of His Majesty, a sportsman himself, has indeed added lustre to the colourful Regatta Brunei Darussalam 2015, ©BRUDIRECT.COM reported.
On arrival at the Bandar Seri Begawan Royal Wharf, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei-Darussalam was greeted by the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awg Haji Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar; the Minister of Home Affairs, Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awg Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Othman; and the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awg Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah, as Co-Advisers of the Brunei Darussalam Regatta 2015 Executive Committee.
Also present were His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel, and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah.
His Majesty then consented to participate in the 15-paddlers Fibre Glass Boat Special Event at the start of the race in the afternoon. Seven teams took part in the special event. His Majesty led the Regatta ‘A’ Committee Members Team aboard the paddle boat named Rajawali. The special race started in the Kampung Tamoi Ujong area. Brunei Darussalam Regatta 2015 is hoped to elevate regatta as a prestigious water sport in Brunei Darussalam.
The competition became more joyous with His Majesty’s participation in the Special Race. His Majesty, the people’s monarch, was enjoying the event, looking very happy in together making the Regatta a success.
The participation by His Majesty and other royal family members in the special event was reminiscent of the nostalgic moments of the boat race in the past when His Majesty’s late father made this water sport a popular game, making the competition atmosphere more enjoyable, thus raising the sporting spirit of the people especially the participants.
The Special Race was won by Regatta ‘A’ Committee Members Team led by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. In second place was Regatta ‘B’ Committee Members Team led by His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and third place went to People Bestowed with Titles Team.
Shortly after finishing the race, His Majesty consented to view the Brunei Darussalam Regatta 2015 Exhibition named ‘Imej Kenangan’ (Commemorative Image) at the Royal Wharf Gallery. This is the third-time such Exhibition conducted by the Museums Department with the cooperation of the Brunei Darussalam Photography Organisation and Brunei Art Forum.
This exhibition showcases collection of pictures by courtesy of the Brunei Darussalam Photography Organisation featuring His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and members of the Royal Family during past regatta events, boat races and the atmosphere around Brunei River during the regatta. Also on display at the exhibition are three modern contemporary paintings and several drawings by artists from the Brunei Art Forum Association. This exhibition is open to the public for 3 months from March 3 until May 31, 2015.
His Majesty then consented to watch other events of the regatta, including the Invitational 20-rowers Fibre Glass Boat Race, 60 SST 6 Rounds Open Speedboat Race, and the 12 round Jet Ski 4 Roundabout Open.
The highlight of the championship was the Traditional 30-paddler Boat Marathon race which was officially launched by His Majesty. The race begins at Kuala Sungai Lumapas and ended at the Royal Wharf.
Participants of the Traditional 30-padders Boat Marathon need to have mental strength and stamina. Apart from that, every team needs full cooperation and commitment of its members in coordinating the right paddling technique in order to win. This 5 kilometre race involved participants from abroad such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Nanjing of the People’s Republic of China.
Apart from the championship, His Majesty who is well-known as a Caring Monarch, also spared his time to cruise along Brunei River to draw closer to his subjects living in Kampung Ayer as a sign of appreciation for their solid support.
His Majesty then consented to present prizes to the winners. The winner of the 15-paddler Fibre Glass Boat Special Race was the Brunei Darussalam Regatta ‘A’ team led by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam himself. The winning team received an accompanying Trophy, Medal, as well as cash prize of BND3,000.
The winning title in the Open 60 SST Speed Boat Race went to Kantamaran 59 Team. The winner received the Challenge Trophy awarded by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and a cash prize of BND2,500.
The Traditional 30-Paddlers Boat Marathon was won by Kuala Lawas Putera Team. The team received the Challenge Trophy awarded by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and a cash prize of BND6,000.
The Brunei Darussalam Regatta 2015 aims to uphold the tourism industry in the country, by making Bandar Seri Begawan a popular tourist attraction with “Know Our Country” (KNK) as the concept. The Regatta is not merely a Boat Race, but is also a Cultural Exposition of paramount importance for tourists to know more about the country’s tradition and at the same time introduce Brunei Darussalam to the international arena.