Over 1 billion VND for AO victims raised from cycle race
The 1st Da Nang Open Cycling Race for the Asanzo Cup took place at the East Sea Park on Sunday.
 |
| Top 3 in the wheelchair race |
The race aimed to appeal for more donations from generous domestic donors to help AO victims across the city in recognition of the 56th anniversary of the National Day for AO Victims (10 August).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, municipal People’s Committee Vice Chairman Nguyen Ngoc Tuan affirmed, “Over recent years the Da Nang authorities have implemented numerous meaningful activities to help local AO victims. Local leaders highly praise the city’s Association of Agent Orange Victims and the Asanzo Company for their active involvement in helping local AO victims to overcome their physical or mental health difficulties”.
On behalf of the city leaders, Vice Chairman Tuan presented 200 million VND from the city budget to the Association.
Also at the ceremony, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Asanzo Company Pham Van Tam presented gifts to 5 Vietnamese heroic mothers and 5 AO victims.
During the event, over 1 billion VND in total was raised by local departments and agencies, such as the municipal Trade Union, the Military Command, and the Association of Charities and Children’s Rights Protection.
Yesterday’s race attracted 250 domestic and foreign cyclists from 25 bicycle clubs nationwide, including famous domestic cyclists Mai Cong Hieu, Nguyen Nam Cuc and Thai Quoc Tuan.
The contestants competed in 40km-individual and 30km-group categories in 2 age groups – 18 - 44 and the over 44s. The race circuit was from the East Sea Park along Vo Nguyen Giap and Hoang Sa streets, and then returning to the start point.
In the over 44s group, cyclist Perzo Claude from the T2 Cycling Open Ha Noi Club won the first prize in the individual category, whilst his club took first in the group category.
As for the 18 - 44 age group, Thai Quoc Tuan and his Dong Tam Cycling Club in Ho Chi Minh City were awarded first prizes for both individual and group categories.
As part of the event, a 50m-wheelchair race entitled ‘Overcoming by Themselves’ saw 10 local AO-affected children participating. The top 3 finishers were Phan Thi Thanh, Tran Tuan Dung and Ngo Thanh.