In perfect weather conditions, the Queen's Baton Relay 2010 Delhi successfully made its way through Brunei Darussalam yesterday, passing by some of the famous landmarks in the capital such as Water Village, the Clock Tower, Bubungan Dua Belas as well as the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council, said the relay was successful in his sabda after the conclusion of relay at the National Stadium.
Miss Alka Lamba, the Convener of the Queen's Baton Relay 2010 Delhi, in a congratulatory message on the successful conclusion of the Queen's Baton Relay 2010 in Brunei said, "I want to thank His Royal Highness, high commissioners from the Commonwealth countries and the school children as well as the people of Brunei.
"I want to congratulate the people of Brunei for organising one of the best Queen's Baton Relay 2010 Delhi.
"On behalf of the host India and Commonwealth Games as well as our leader, I want to invite all Bruneians to witness the Commonwealth Games."
His Royal Highness's sabda was read out by Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah said, "This morning not only the baton passed through various historical landmarks such as the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Bubungan Dua Belas but also through various roads of Jalan McArthur and Jalan Residency which are synonymous to the Commonwealth."
The President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council added, "This morning, the baton also crossed the Brunei River, home to our national heritage, the Water Village (Kampong Ayer), dubbed as the Venice of the East. The significance and uniqueness of the check points, hopefully could impress not only the Commonwealth communities here in Brunei Darussalam but also Commonwealth communities through the world."
His Royal Highness also said, "The serenity and glowing water of Kampong Ayer, coupled with the sporting spirit as well as enthusiasm and friendship shown by all participants, all reflecting, what the Commonwealth values are, in promoting international understanding and world peace. The Commonwealth Games, always reflect these.
"Before I conclude, I think, everyone of us agreed that the relay that we had this morning was a very successful one. On that note, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and thanks to all of you, students from government and private schools, athletes from various sports associations, athletes who have represented Brunei Darussalam in the previous Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth high commissions and their communities and others, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the sponsors, the police, the media, the medical team, teachers, volunteers and other relevant government agencies. My gratitude also goes to the Commonwealth Games Federation for giving Brunei Darussalam a chance to be part of this Queen's Baton epic journey.
"To the ministers and senior officials thank you for your support and for being here with us at the relay. Last but not least, my best wishes to India and all athletes who will assemble in New Delhi, a very successful and memorable 19th Commonwealth Games 2010. My best wishes also go to Malaysia where the Queen's Baton will make its 66th stop," His Royal Highness said.
The Queen's Baton route started from Yayasan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex at 7am with His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah was handed the privilege to be the first baton bearer.
Accompany His Royal Highness were HRH's sons YAM Pg Muda 'Abdul 'Aleem, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Hj Apong, Minister of Education, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yusoff bin Haji Ismail, Deputy Minister of Education, Datin Hajah Adina binti Othman, Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport and others officials.
The baton then made its way to Water Village on traditional boat ride. The baton was then passed from hand to hand between the eight high commissioners of the Commonwealth countries in Brunei as well as their community up to the tower clock at Jln Sultan.
From there, the baton was handed to a group of various sports associations, students from sports school as well as people with special needs.
The baton arrived at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium at Budiman walk where some 300 students accompanied the baton for the final relay. Among the students was YAM Pg Anak 'Aizzatul Bulqiah.
The last baton bearer passed the baton back to the President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah then passed the Queen's Baton to Dato' Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari, the Malaysian High Commissioner, for the next destination of the Queen Baton Relay 2010 Delhi.
Before the ceremony concluded, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah presented a souvenir to Miss Alka Lamba.
(Borneo Bulletin : 10 Jun 2010)