PANO - Nearly 1,300 domestic and international runners, including those from embassies and international organizations in Hanoi, competed in the 42nd Hanoimoi Newspaper Run Tournament Open taking place on October 4th, around the Restored Sword Lake (Hoan Kiem Lake).

In his opening speech, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Le Hong Son confirmed that this tourney was a sports event with great impact on society. It was organized in celebration of the 61st anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital City on October 10th and 16th anniversary of UNESCO’s recognition of Hanoi as the City for Peace.

Runners starting race. Photo: baochinhphu.vn

Also at the opening ceremony, the participants heard a message of peace, delivered by Head of the Hanoi Fatherland Front Committee and the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations Dao Van Binh.

Importantly, participants and international guests signed the message of peace to be sent to Vietnamese friends worldwide as an additional voice of solidarity, compassion, and strong will towards a brighter future and for peace, friendship, cooperation and development in the world.

Regarding the tourney, Ms. Eva Nguyen Binh, Counsellor of Cooperation and Culture of the Embassy of France to Vietnam laid stress on the significance of this tournament, affirming that it would help boost solidarity and the spirit of sports in the community, as well as mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and other countries. For her, participating in this tourney was an unforgettable experience.

With two first prizes in men and women’s groups, the border guard team ranked first, followed by Hanoi and the Ministry of Public Security teams.

Translated by Ha Thanh