Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
Speech from 'The Rt. Hon. Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd Ali Bin Mohd Rustam, Chief Minister of Melaka, MalaysiaFirstly, I am grateful to Allah s.w.t. for His grace in granting Melaka the opportunity and honour to organize and host the prestigous inaugural Melaka Grand Invitational Endurance Ride 2008.
The Melaka State Government has given its commitment for the promotion and development of various sports in Melaka to inspire and encourage to our youth to participate in beneficial activities. One such sport is endurance riding.
As I have been informed, the sport of endurance riding requires mental strength and agility, riding skills and an in-depth knowledge of the sport itself. The physicial attributes of a rider is not a critical factor in the sport.
With a systematic and regimented training programme coupled with the innate desire to excel, I believe that we are capable of competing successfully in this sport on an international level. The participation of overseas contestants is an indication of the increasing popularity of equestrian sports and this must be nurtured and encouraged.
I take this opportunity to wish all contestants good luck in their respective events and may they participate with true sporting spirit and enthusiasam.
Thank you. Wassalam"
Datuk Seri Hj. Mohd Ali bin Mohd Rustam