BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: In Conjunction with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 66th Birthday celebration, the very first 66km cycling expedition will be organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (Youth and Sports Department) on September 2, with cooperation from the Brunei Darussalam Cycling Federation, Borneo Bulletin reported.
Members of the public aged 16 and above are welcome to join the event. It will flag off from the Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah School in Lumut and finish at the vicinity of the Jerudong Park Amphitheatre.
A press conference was held yesterday and chaired by Hj Muhd Zamri Dato Paduka Hj Hamdani, Deputy Director of Youth and Sports II. Also present were Kifli Hj Jafaar, Acting Chief Youth and Sports Officer; Natasha Abdullah, officer from the Sports Section; and Hj Mohamad Ruzaimi bin Hj Rosli from the Brunei National Cycling Federation.
Participants stand a chance to win B$22,000 worth of lucky draw prizes at the finish line.
The grand prize is a carbon frame bicycle with the price tag of B$4,500. Other lucky draw prizes include an aluminum bicycle, accessories, tickets to other Asian countries, a 42-inch television, Mac Book, iPad, iPhone, Samsung Galaxy Note, camera and other attractive electronic items.
Hj Muhd Zamri said, “The expedition is one of the sideline components held in conjunction with His Majesty’s 66th birthday celebrations. The 66km distance symbolises the monarch’s birthday.
“This event, the first of its kind, is a combined effort between various government agencies and NGOs in promoting healthy lifestyle through sports among the community especially youths,” he added.
“Among the aims of the cycling expedition are to encourage the general public to practice a healthy lifestyle through sports, to gather youths and the community to celebrate His Majesty’s 66th birthday.
“The expedition will start from the Belait District to the Tutong District and later, to the Brunei-Muara District and conclude at Jerudong Park. There will be two pit stops located at the Community Hall in Tutong and the police stand at the Muara-Tutong Highway. Participants unable to cycle from the starting point can also cycle from one of the two pit stops. Shuttle buses will be provided for participants in the Brunei-Muara District to the starting point in Lumut. They are advised to arrive at Jerudong Park by 4.30am to take the bus.
“During the expedition, the cyclists must maintain a speed of 23 to 25km/hr and not be left behind. Vehicles will pick up those wanting to stop half way up.
“To ensure the traffic flow will not be affected, the organiser will be working with relevant authorities such as the Royal Brunei Police Force to reduce the ill effects on the traffic flow.”
To participate in the expedition, participants need to pay a B$10 registration fee to cover the cost of the T-shirt and bib numbers. The registration forms have to be completed by August 11 at 4.30pm.
Interested individuals can visit the Youth and Sports Department located on the 6th floor of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports or contact 2380715/2380668 ext 1632.