The opening ceremony of the 13^th ASEAN Schools Games (ASG), the largest regional sporting event for senior high school pupils, was held at the Tien Son Sports Arena in the central city of Da Nang on Saturday.

Delegates attending the opening ceremony of the 13th ASEAN Schools Games

Addressing the opening ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Kim Son, Minister of Education and Training cum Head of the Steering Committee of the ASG, highlighted the significance of the sporting event in promoting solidarity, international friendship, and mutual respect and understanding between regional countries for the harmonious physical and mental development of pupils and for a better young generation of ASEAN integration and development.

Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son speaking at the opening ceremony of the Games

Not only was it a place to honour sports talents, ASG was an opportunity for pupils from 10 ASEAN countries to exchange, learn and connect under the spirit of "Connect to Shine Bright", he emphasised.

Like other ASEAN countries, over the past many years, school sports have received close attention and direction from the Party, Government and State of Viet Nam through many diverse and practical programmes and activities, creating an environment for the comprehensive development of pupils.

In that spirit, the ASG features as a symbol of unity, and the role of school sports in the physical development of ASEAN pupils, he added.

Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee Le Trung Chinh delivering his speech at the opening ceremony

In his speech delivered at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee Le Trung Chinh said that Da Nang has closely coordinated with central departments, ministries and branches to implement all preparatory works for the sporting event.

He noted that the event was a bridge and an opportunity to introduce the colours and characteristics of ASEAN countries so that these nations together light up the fire of victory desire and belief built on the foundation of solidarity, friendship, cooperation and development for a stronger and more prosperous ASEAN.

He said the city committed to create the best conditions for all students and athletes during the week-long competition. The games would be memorable experience and time for all visitors exploring pristine beaches and stunning natural landscapes of Da Nang.

Also at the opening ceremony, the games flame, which symbolises the enthusiasm of ASEAN youth and the spirit of solidarity and friendship among regional countries, was lit on the stage.

Lasting until June 9 under the theme “Connect to Shine Bright”, the 13^th ASG sees the participation of about 1,300 athletes and coaches from the sports delegations of 10 regional countries, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. The athletes compete in 107 events of swimming, athletics, badminton, basketball, pencak silat, and vovinam.

The participating sports delegations parading at the opening ceremony

The colorful art programme at the opening ceremony leaving an impression on delegates, sports delegations and audiences

Before the opening ceremony, the torch was carried from the Military Zone 5 branch of the Ho Chi Minh Museum

Reporting by PHI NONG - Translating by M.DUNG, V.DUNG