HRH Princess Fadzillah graces Special Olympics

GUEST OF HONOUR, Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bulqiah, graced the Balapan Track and Field in Berakas for the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics Brunei Darussalam (SOBD) 5th National Games yesterday.

Held over three days, the games will feature 200 special athletes compete in five games, track and field, Bocce, football, bowling and Young Athletes (Aged 8 and below).

This year's edition will not only tap and showcase the potential of the special athletes but allow the SOBD to reach a bigger platform.

Co-chairman of the organising committee, Dato Paduka Hj Jemat Hj Ampal, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports said in his opening speech: "For this annual event we want to raise the profile of special athletes not only on the local scene but also internationally."

SOBD will select athletes to undergo training and represent Brunei during the Special Olympics International World Games in Athens, Greece, to be held in June.

The theme for the annual games this year is "Together Nurturing Harmony."

The athletes were divided into four sport houses named after Brunei's traditional flowers: the Bunga Gambir House, the Bunga Kudok- Kudok House, the Bunga Simpur House and the Gunga Sumboi- Sumboi House.

The variety of colours not only symbolise the potential of the participants but also the contribution of the athletes to the community in Brunei.

Just as the traditional flowers grow in harmony among the flora and fauna of Brunei, SOBD believes the athletes can contribute to a harmonious community with the public's awareness, understanding and support.

About 200 people have volunteered to lend a hand during the three-day event, comprising members of the Brunei Darussalam Girl Guides, Red Crescent and Scouts Associations. Students of Paduka Seri Begawan Science College and University of Brunei Darussalam's University's volunteer and charity clubs also gave their support to the tournament. Other volunteers are from the Institut Teknologi Brunei and Berakas Secondary School, Standard Chartered Bank and International Women's Council.The Brunei Times