Athletes to compete for glory at School Games

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam on August 1 kicked off the National School Games in Nghe An Province.

The 19^th Games sees the participation of about 4,000 athletes and more than 1,000 coaches, experts and referees from all 63 cities and provinces.

They will compete in 15 sports categories including football, swimming, athletics and martial arts during the 10-day event in Nghe An and the neighboring province of Thanh Hoa.

The National School Games kicked off in Nghe An province

Deputy PM Dam welcomed students, teachers and representatives in Nghe An for the Games and thanked locals for their support in holding the festival.

“A person must grow up with rich knowledge and strong physique. Practicing sports helps improve strength to study and work well, construct and save the country”, said Dam at the opening ceremony.

The Games, which are held every four years, is a Ministry of Education and Training tradition for students of all ages.

It aims to promote solidarity in children through school sports; provide opportunities for athletes to improve their sporting talents and allow them to meet with each other through the tournaments.

The Games is also a channel to discover talents who will join national sport teams in the future.

In recent ASEAN School Games in Thailand, Vietnamese athletes finished third with 19 gold, 20 silver and 15 bronze medals.

The National Games ends on August 10.