The Da Nang Department of Education and Training has allocated a fund of 40 billion VND (1.77 million USD) to upgrade and build new multi-sport arenas at 26 schools by 2022.

Children reading at the open library of a primary school in Da Nang

The Department's Director Nguyen Dinh Vinh confirmed that the fund will be used to create quality pitches and sport halls for use by students in the physical curriculum and the community after school time.

He said the plan will outfit sport arenas and multi-purpose facilities to host various sports from football to badminton, basketball, volleyball, aerobics, shuttle cock kicking, martial arts, table tennis and athletics.

Mr Vinh said the arenas will open their doors for local residents to play sports after school to boost regular physical activity within the community.

“We will try to open the door for local residents to play sports or sit and read a book for free, creating a healthier environment for people and children to relax and exchange skills and knowledge,” Mr Vinh said. “The open-door school plan would lure more kids and residents to school for free sports and book reading.”

Da Nang will be the first locality in Viet Nam opening school arenas for community sport use.

Last year, the Department also launched free open-air libraries at 102 primary schools for all students and residents to enjoy free reading, gymnastics and martial arts training at all primary schools.

The city has 155 primary and junior secondary schools with more than 8,000 students.

Da Nang also plans to design a book street to boost the reading habit among young people.

(Source: VNS/ DA NANG Today)