In support of the Asian Games Fun Runs hosted by Olympic Council of Asia, the 18th Asian Games Fun Run was held at the Ly Thai To Monument, Bacninh City. This event was coordinated by the Vietnam Olympic Committee, Bacninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and a number of relevant departments.
Attending at the Fun Run Day were Mr. Nguyen Van Phong, Vice Chairman of Bacninh People Committee, Mr. Vuong Bich Thang, Gen. Director of Vietnam Sports Administration, Mr. Tran Van Manh, Gen. Secrectary of Vietnam Olympic Committee, representatives of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and INASGOC, three thousands residents from Bacninh province coming from different social backgrounds, from students to elders, the armed forces, Vietnam Youth, businesses, professional athletes, as well as local and central media agencies.
The Asian Games Fun Run is one of OCA's social sports development and promotion activities organized by 45 National Olympic Committees in Asia. The Fun Run originated as a promotion activity for the 2006 Asian Games in Doha (Qatar).
The uniqueness of this program is that, together with the sport activities, it can bring joy and excitement to Fun Runners; particularly parents with children and the younger generation in various countries and territories in Asia can also have the opportunity to learn more about the activities of the Asian Olympic Movement, the sports and the competition program at the Asian Games as well as the history of the sport development in Asia through the contest and games.
In the Fun Run message, H.E. Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, OCA President, highlighted: “There is much more to the Asian Games than just gold, silver and bronze medals. There is also friendship, team spirit and camaraderie – all qualities that are in evidence at our Asian Games Fun Runs… They bring everyone together… They create a bond between Fun Runners… And provide lasting memories for all the participants – an event that allows everyone to feel part of the Asian Games.”
Regarding to the significance of the Fun Run, Mr. Tran Van Manh, Secretary General of the Vietnam Olympic Committee quoted: “Fun Run Day is very meaningful in educating the Olympic spirit for the younger generation. In addition, this program will help expand the knowledge about sport and the Olympic Movement through the exciting and cultural activities for children - thereby encouraging them to participate more in physical exercise.”
On behalf of INASGOC, Mr. Lucky Iskandar Mirza, in the speech at the Fun Run, comfirmed: "our preparations for the 18th Asian Games in 2018 have reached their final stage. Two historic cities - Indonesia’s capital Jakarta and Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra - these 2 cities that are separated by a distance of 1,000 km showcases the diverse attractions and cultural riches in the world’s largest archipelago". According to his information at the press conference after that Fun Run, nearly 95% preparing works has been completed such as competition venues, transportation infrastructure.
The Asian Games Fun Run was to be held alongside a series of activities in Bac Ninh, including the Olympic Day Run for public health and the Nagakawa Half-Marathon Tournament – the 22nd Bacninh Newspaper Cup.
The 18 Asian Games will be from August 18 to September 2, 2018 in the co-host cities of Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia. About 10,000 athletes from 45 National Olympic Committees will be competing in 40 sports and 462 events.