His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Deputy Sultan, launched the 2012 Brunei Sports Convention and Expo at the International Convention Centre yesterday, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports as part of their efforts in taking a proactive step to plan a programme for their stakeholders in exchanging ideas and sharing experiences, as well as to get some feedback from the general public on the development of sports and its excellence.

After the arrival of His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, a welcoming speech was delivered by Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, who is also the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee for the 2012 Brunei Sports Convention and Expo.

"It is through sports that we can give inspiration for change in society, to create role models, share knowledge that leads to a change in attitude and encourage a healthy and positive relations at all levels of society," said the Minister.

He further added that the hosting of activities that promote sports in Brunei Darussalam, such as the Sports Convention and Expo, plays an important role in enhancing awareness, knowledge and education on the dynamism and contribution of sports towards the socio-economic development.

His Royal Highness the Deputy Sultan later delivered a sabda prior to the official launching of the Brunei Sports Convention and Expo.

In his keynote speech, Stephen Baddeley, the Director of Sports of the University of Bath, stressed the importance of accepting athletes, regardless of their abilities and disabilities as well as the importance of sports in building a person's self-esteem and character building.

His Royal Highness the Deputy Sultan later proceeded to visit the Exposition which consisted of a total of 52 booths made up of various national sports associations, government agencies, private sectors and recreational related companies.

The objectives of this Sports Convention and Expo are to give opportunity to all participants to increase their knowledge of sports, exchange ideas, experiences and opinion on sports development related issues, in addition to giving a better understanding on 'Sports For All', 'Sports For Excellence' and 'Sports Industry'.

Moreover, it is also to learn the best practices in the sports industry and to develop the new 'Sports Business Concept', which will create the future of the sports industry in Brunei Darussalam, as well as to give feedback (resolutions) towards reviewing our National Sports Policy.

The Sports Convention will last for three days until November 8, while the Sports Expo will run until November 11 at the International Convention Centre, where products and services related to the sports industry are exhibited. - Borneo Bulletin (7 November 2012)