The 5^th Asian Beach Games (ABG5) officially ended in Da Nang with a splendid closing ceremony at the East Sea Park at 8.00pm today.  The continent-level event has left a good impression of a civilised and friendly city on both participating contestants and invited guests from both home and abroad.

ABG5 participants at the Ba Na Hills Resort

Lebanese athlete Pierre Bou Abboud said he feels very comfortable during his stay in the city.  He remarked that hotels where ABG5 contestants stayed, are very near competition and training venues.  Having completed their training sessions or competitions, the athletes were eager to go swimming, to take leisurely strolls to enjoy the fresh air, or to explore the beauty of the seaside city at night.  In particular, he was very impressed by a large number of local volunteers who were every enthusiastic, and they speak English fairly fluently.

Another athlete, Mohd Sharif Rosli from Malaysia, said that, like his hometown, Da Nang also has beautiful beaches.   He jogged along local peaceful beaches every morning, which made him certainly feel relaxed and energised before entering his tough competitions at ABG5.  The Malaysian contestant also affirmed that he would never forget his memorable moments during his stay in the city, and that he would certainly return to this location with his family members and friends soon.

Sambo coach Hassabodin Rojanachiva from Thailand said, “I have visited Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City many times, but this is the first time I have come to Da Nang.  I will make trips to such local tourist attractions as the Museum of Cham Sculpture, Marble Mountains and Ba Na Hills Resort after I fulfill my tasks at ABG5”.

Many reporters from international media agencies also highly praised the host city for ensuring good preparations for ABG5, especially for media activities.

Mongolian journalist Enxhzaya Purevsuren said that the event’s organisers have arranged appropriate accommodations and other related services for him and other his foreign collegues.  The ABG5 Main Press Centre has been fully equipped with modern equipment, which created a professional working environment for reporters.  In particular, the centre, hotels and competition venues are very near to one another.  Also, the local security was ensured, and traffic congestions rarely occurred in the inner-city during the event.  Mongolian journalist added that he and other international reporters were very interested in chatting with friendly local residents whilst being on duty at ABG5.

Mr Jeff Benz from the Olympic Council of Asia gave his compliments to Da Nang, and Viet Nam as a whole, for ensuring the best preparations for ABG5.  Given the successfully organised ABG5, Viet Nam, and Da Nang in particular, will access more opportunities to host even larger-scale events in the near future.  He added that Da Nang really left better impression on international athletes and invited guests thanks to its friendliness and enthusiasm, in comparison with the previous events.