A groundbreaking ceremony was held at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Sports Complex on 8^thNovember to signify the start of construction for the extension of the sports complex and the university’s new swimming pool.

The extension of the Sports Complex, which is a project of the Public Works Department at the Ministry of Development, is slated to be completed by November 2015. The construction and renovation is a project under the 10^th National Development Plan (RKN10).

The extension will include an exercise hall, cafeteria, administration office, lobby and reception on the ground floor, as well as two aerobics studios, gym studios and a lounge area on the first floor of the complex. An Olympic-sized swimming pool, measuring 50m x 25m (10 lanes) will also be in the works at the Sports Complex, with additional renovation works on the existing surau on the first floor.

The ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Education , Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr.) Hj Awg Abu Bakar bin Hj Apong as the guest of honour. Also in attendance were permanent secretaries and senior officers from the Ministry of Education and Public Works Department, as well as principal officers of UBD to witness the groundbreaking ceremony.

The ceremony began with a brief description of the construction project by Hj Muhd Husni Hj Damit, the project coordinator from the Public Works Department. Following the briefing, the guest of honour proceeded to lay the foundation stone to mark the start of construction at the piling area. The event also featured a mini exhibition on UBD students’ achievements in the field of athletics and sports in both national and international levels.

At present, the Sports Complex comprises a variety of sports facilities for tennis, pétanque, basketball, badminton, squash and football. The Sports Complex also has an existing indoor sports hall, gymnasium, surau and a grandstand.