Minister of Culture, Youth and
Sports Yang Berhormat Pehin
Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila
Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair
Hj Abdullah (L) handing over the
Brunei flag to chef de mission
Haji Rosmadee Haji Md Daud
yesterday at the VIP Room of the
Hassanal Bolkiah National
Stadium in Berakas.Picture:
BT/ Asdeny Yakub

Another milestone was reached for Brunei sports.

The Sultanate will make its debut at the Paralympics in London as Shari Hj Juma'at becomes the first para-athlete to qualify for the Aug 29 - Sept 9 multi-sport event.

The flag handing ceremony was held yesterday at the VIP Room of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Perkerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah, presented the national flag to chef de mission Hj Rosmadee Hj Md Daud.

Shari qualified for the tournament after recording a throw of 29.83 metres for the men's Javelin F55 during the 1st Malaysia Open Para Athletics Championship 2012 in April.

The result puts him at the top of the International Paralympic Committee Athletics Rankings for the event.

The Bruneian is proud to fly the flag for the Sultanate and is hoping for a good outing.

D"I don't know how strong the field is going to be but it should be tough. I hope I will have no problems adjusting to the environment quickly since I have competed in China and Korea before when it was cold," Shari told The Brunei Times yesterday.

"Training has been good and I feel that I'm improving constantly. I'm not thinking about medals just yet but I'm feeling confident," added the 45-year-old.

He will be accompanied by coach Hj Wahid Ismail.

"I hope he will be able to set a new record at this event. We will try to return with a medal if we can," said Hj Wahid.

"We will have two weeks to adjust to the weather and hopefully it will be alright."

Yesterday also saw sponsorships from four different companies.

DST, represented by Chief Executive Officer Idris T Vasi, presented sports attire and a wheel chair while Royal Brunei Airlines, represented by Captain Khalikhan Hj Asmakhan, Head of Operations, provided the flight ticket.

Yong Then Fatt, the Principal Architect of Arkitek Suria YTF, provided track suits while Auzi Properties represented by Affairs Director Nur Amirah Izzati Abdullah sponsored the cold weather clothing.

The contingent is expected to depart next Friday.

Courtesy from Brunei Times