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General Nguyen Trong Nghia and delegates at the event

Chairman of the General Department of Political Affairs (GDP) General Nguyen Trong Nghia, Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Le Quang Dao, and delegates from the General Staff, the GDP, the Viet Nam Coast Guard Command, ministries, agencies, and schools with students participating in the contest attended the event.

Organized by the Viet Nam Coast Guard Command for more than a decade, the contest has become a practical platform for students, helping equip them with knowledge, raise awareness, and foster their love and pride for the nation’s sea and islands.

Under the nationwide project for organizing the contest during the 2024–2030 period and beyond, the contest for 2025–2026 school year was held at secondary schools in coastal provinces and cities, as well as several key areas nationwide, in connection with social welfare programs and activities focused on the national sea and islands. 

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General Nguyen Trong Nghia tours an exhibition held on the sidelines of the contest.

Following competitions at the commune, provincial, and regional levels, six outstanding teams advanced to the national final, namely Hai Phong city, Thanh Hoa province, Quang Ngai province, Lam Dong province, Ho Chi Minh City, and Ca Mau province. Each team consisted of five students. 

The national final featured updated content and formats, with greater use of technology to encourage active participation, practical experiences, and a more vivid and accessible approach to learning about Viet Nam’s sea and islands.

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Teams competing in the final

The 30 finalists competed in four rounds, namely “Setting Sail,” “Riding the waves,” “Reaching the shore,” and “Planting sovereignty markers,” testing their knowledge of Viet Nam’s sea and islands, national traditions, and laws related to maritime and island issues. In the “Riding the waves” round, contestants drew topics at random, creating an engaging atmosphere while testing their knowledge, skills, and ability to handle different situations.

At the conclusion of the contest, the Bach Long Vi team from Hai Phong city won first prize with 476 points.

The national final was among the activities marking the 81st anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, as well as the 28th anniversary of the foundation day of the Viet Nam Coast Guard on August 28.

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GDP’s Chairman hands over the Defense Minister’s certificate of merit to outstanding collectives.
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Lt. Gen. Le Quang Dao hands over the Defense Minister’s certificate of merit to outstanding individuals.
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Participating teams honored with certificates from the Central Council of the Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneers Organization.

As part of the program, the Viet Nam Coast Guard Command organized a range of practical and meaningful activities for participating teams, teachers, parents, and delegates. The contest has helped bring knowledge about the sea and islands to younger generations, raise awareness of their role in national construction and defense, and foster love, pride, and a sense of responsibility among young people toward the national sovereignty over sea and islands.

Translated by Tran Hoai