‘Wonderful’ and ‘warm’ are two of the words that international sports managers, athletes, and guests have used to describe Da Nang after their stays in the city during international events last year.

Da Nang-Viet Nam Clipper Race team's skipper Wendy Tuck

Vietnamese-Swiss Stefan Nguyen, a member of the Danang Dragons professional basketball club, has already said “I belong to this city”.  Another member of this club is Vietnamese-American Horace Nguyen, whose parents are from Da Nang.  He said that he couldn't hold back the tears when he was chosen to play for the club and that it was a special day in his life.

Mr Nirut Bunmark from Thailand, a representative from the main sponsors of the 5^th Asian Beach Games, and Mr Jeremy Brett Walker, Editor-in-chief of the Sporting Asia Magazine of the Olympic Council of Asia, remarked that they were very impressed by the city’s beautiful landscapes, peaceful living environment, and the friendliness and helpfulness of local residents.

Mr Nirut Bunmark added that he felt at home during his stay in the city because locals were unconditionally willing to help him when needed.

Basketball player Rudolphe Joly

Taking advantage of being an official sponsor and host port for the 2015 - 2016 Clipper Round the World Race, Da Nang impressed first-time international visitors with the beauty of its landscapes and people.

Mr Rich Edwards, a sports reporter from the BBC’s Sports Channel, said that for him, Da Nang was the most impressive destination he had visited so far during the race.  He and the other reporters had been especially impressed by the great welcome given by the local leaders and residents.  That was the reason why he, and all the boat crews, were sad to leave this beautiful seaside city.

At a spectacular farewell ceremony for the Clipper Race boats on 27 February last year as they left Da Nang for Qingdao (China), the skipper of the Da Nang-Viet Nam boat, Wendy Tuck, was given a surprise early birthday celebration.  Although her birthday wasn’t until 1 March, she was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a birthday gift from municipal People’s Committee Vice Chairman Dang Viet Dung, whilst thousands of local residents sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to her as she left.  The Australian skipper said, “I am very happy and completely surprised by the wonderful birthday wishes and gift.   My crew members and I leave with unforgettable experiences of our stay in your city.  Da Nang is an incredible stopover.  I am very proud to represent this city”.

Argentinian striker Merlo

Rudolphe Joly, who was named the most outstanding basketball player in the Viet Nam Basketball Association 2016 (VBA 2016), wrote on his personal page after he came back from Canada that he had gained the respect of local fans.  Thanks to their active emotional support, he and his Danang Dragons teammates have been crowned the champions of the VBA 2016.  He hopes to visit Da Nang again soon because he knows that he is always welcomed in the city as its son.

Mr Peter Nagy, Head of the Swimming Coaches’ Board of Hungary’s BVSC Zuglo Club, noted “I have visited Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong before, but I am deeply interested in Da Nang.  Da Nang is a city of light, with friendly and hospitable people.  I wish to visit Da Nang many more times if I ever get the chance.”

Amongst those who also love the city is SHB Da Nang’s Sebastion Gaston Merlo who has been the V League season’s top goalscorer 4 times.  The Argentinian striker said that he loves the city because of its peaceful and safe atmosphere.  He affirmed that he does not want to leave Da Nang, even when he retires as a professional footballer.  He considers Da Nang to be his second home.