The Olympic Day celebration was held to introduce the youngsters to the sports scene in Vietnam as well as to the global Olympic movement and to encourage a healthy, active lifestyle. Around 1,000 students and young athletes aged from 12 to 17 and living in Cao Bang city attended the event.

In order to encourage the spirit and passion for sport among children, many leaders and heads of political and social organisations of Cao Bang province were present. These included Mr. Sam Viet An, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Cao Bang province; Mr. Vu Van De, Vice Chairman of Cao Bang City People's Committee; Mr. Phan Van Giap, Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training; and Mr. Dam Van Trung, Deputy Director of Provincial Radio and Television.

The Vietnam Olympic Committee was represented by Mr. Tran Van Manh, General Secretary.

Director Sam Viet An said: "Olympic Day for Children contributes to the promotion and education of Olympic values and the meaning of the Olympic Games and good sportsmanship in the community, especially the young generation.”

On behalf of the Vietnam Olympic Committee, Tran Van Manh added: “Olympic Day for Children is a golden opportunity to encourage everyone to embrace the Olympic spirit and the values of the International Olympic Committee – ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together’ as well as for a better life.”

Cao Bang province badminton champion Hoang Bao Trinh read the Olympic Day message from the IOC President, Thomas Bach.

The Vietnam Olympic Committee also awarded a campaign medal to Mr. Ngoc Van Chan, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Cao Bang province and deputy head of the event organising committee, and gave gifts of encouragement to students with outstanding sports achievements and students who find themselves in difficult circumstances.

Source: Tuyet Hoa, VOC