The 2024 Sports Competition for People with Disabilities, hosted by the Da Nang Department of Culture and Sports, officially opened at the Tien Son Sports Arena on November 19. The event serves as a meaningful platform to inspire people with disabilities to engage in sports, enhancing their health, confidence, and community integration.

Table tennis athletes in action. Photo: P.N

Following the success of previous seasons, this year’s competition received enthusiastic participation from nearly 100 athletes representing 12 units, including Thanh Khe District Cultural and Sports Centre, Hai Chau District Cultural and Sports Centre, Lien Chieu District Cultural, Information, and Sports Centre, Da Nang Centre for Educational Support and Integration, and various associations for people with disabilities across the city. The athletes competed in table tennis, badminton, and athletics.

In table tennis, there were four categories including men’s singles (standing), men’s singles (wheelchair), men’s doubles (standing), and men’s doubles (wheelchair). Badminton included six categories including men’s singles (standing), women’s singles (standing), women’s singles (wheelchair), men’s doubles (standing), men’s singles (wheelchair), and mixed doubles (standing). Athletics featured eight events, including men’s shot put (5kg), visually impaired men’s shot put (5kg), women’s shot put (4kg), visually impaired women’s shot put (4kg), men’s 100m race, women’s 100m race, visually impaired men’s 100m race, and visually impaired women’s 100m race.

Despite a lower limb disability, Ms Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hanh, a member of Cam Le District Association for People with Disabilities, competed in the wheelchair women’s badminton single category with the aim of winning a medal.

“I’m delighted to participate in the competition for the fifth time. This is a valuable event where those less fortunate can meet, enjoy sports, foster connections, and confidently integrate into society. I have a passion for badminton, so I train and compete regularly. I hope to perform well and achieve the best results this time,” Ms Hanh shared.

Equally enthusiastic, Mr Nguyen Van Hau, a member of Hai Chau District Cultural and Sports Centre, remarked, “When I learned about this event, I eagerly signed up and trained intensively. This is my fifth consecutive year participating, competing in men’s table tennis singles and doubles with the goal of winning a gold medal. Regular competitions motivate me to maintain my fitness routine and improve my health. Having played table tennis for nearly ten years, I feel more positive, and my worries and insecurities have gradually lessened. I hope everyone with a disability finds a sport they enjoy to train and compete in.”

According to Mr Truong Cong Nghiem, Chairman of the Da Nang Association for People with Disabilities, badminton and table tennis events were held at the Tien Son Sports Arena, while athletics took place at the Athletics Field of Da Nang’s Athlete Training Centre. The organisers awarded prizes to outstanding athletes in each category and recognised the best team overall.

“In recent years, the sports movement among people with disabilities in Da Nang has grown both in quantity and quality. Many localities and organisations have provided facilities to support regular training. In addition to this annual competition, we plan to collaborate with various units to organise more events, helping people with disabilities showcase their talents and gain confidence to integrate into the community,” Mr Nghiem said.

Mr Tran Cong Tu, Director of the city’s Sports Centre, added that Da Nang actively supports and encourages people with disabilities to engage in sports, promoting widespread participation in the community. Outstanding athletes from this year’s event will be selected to represent Da Nang in national championships in 2025. In 2024, the city’s disability sports team participated in national and international competitions, achieving high rankings.

Reporting by PHI NONG - Translating by TRUC VY