The Da Nang Department of Education and Training recently held a closing ceremony to commend the city’s student sports delegation for their participation in the 10^th National Phu Dong Sports Games 2024, hosted in Quang Nam and Hai Phong.

Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Tran Chi Cuong presenting Certificates of Merit to officials and coaches of schools. Photo: PHI NONG

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Tran Chi Cuong emphasised that the students' achievements were a testament to their relentless efforts and aspirations, contributing to affirming the city's prominence in student sports at the national level.

“In recent years, the city’s education and training sector has actively collaborated with various organisations to host meaningful sports activities, engaging many students and yielding positive outcomes. However, to further enhance school sports, I encourage the education and training sector, along with the cultural and sports sector, to devise strategies to promote physical activities in schools, identify and nurture sports talents, and cultivate a pool of athletes for future competitions. Additionally, integrating physical education with moral education and life skills is essential to foster students’ holistic development in knowledge, ethics, and physical fitness. This will help improve their overall well-being, contributing to the development and protection of both the nation and the city in the new era,” Vice Chairman Tran Chi Cuong stated.

According to Mr. Mai Tan Linh, Deputy Director of the Department of municipal Education and Training, with thorough preparation - including athlete selection, specialised training, and facility upgrades - the city’s student sports delegation performed exceptionally well, securing third place overall with 181 medals, including 64 golds, 49 silvers, and 68 bronzes. This marks one of the delegation's best performances at the National Phu Dong Sports Games

Numerous school sports talents from Da Nang shone brightly, earning prestigious gold medals. In swimming, Le Minh Khue from the Hai Chau District-based Nguyen Hue Junior High School emerged as one of the top swimmers, clinching three gold medals in the 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke, and 4x50m medley relay. Notably, this was Minh Khue’s debut at the National Phu Dong Sports Games.

“I am thrilled to win three gold medals at such a significant event. This success is the result of my hard work and the dedicated guidance of my coaches. It motivates me to continue pursuing swimming and contribute more medals to the city’s school sports,” Minh Khue shared.

Alongside Minh Khue, Ngo Moc Mien from Nguyen Van Troi Primary School in Lien Chieu District is recognised as a promising young talent in chess. Despite her short time in sport, Moc Mien has amassed a collection of dozens of medals from competitions within and beyond the city. At the 2024 festival, she won three golds and one bronze.

“Chess brings me immense joy and serves as a relaxing activity after intensive study sessions, steering me away from video games. Moreover, this sport helps me develop better focus and strategic thinking. I play chess daily during my free time after studying. It’s an honour to represent Da Nang students at the National Phu Dong Sports Game and achieve good results,” Moc Mien expressed.

In addition to these athletes, Da Nang's student sports delegation featured many other outstanding performers who achieved remarkable results, such as Nguyen Yen Nhi from Nui Thanh Primary School, Hai Chau District (three golds in swimming); Thai Mai Thien Truc from Nguyen Van Cu Junior High School, Son Tra District (two golds, one silver in badminton); and Nguyen Thanh Binh from Ho Nghinh Junior High School, Hai Chau District (two golds, one bronze in table tennis).

At the closing ceremony, the municipal People’s Committee awarded Certificates of Merit to 10 officials and teachers who excelled in coaching students to high achievements at the National Phu Dong Sports Games in 2024. Additionally, the Department of Education and Training presented Certificates of Merit to 210 outstanding athletes.

Reporting by PHI NONG - Translating by TRUC VY