A performance at the 2026 Can Tho City Expanded Gymnastics and Folk Dance Club Competition.
Last weekend, over 280 athletes from 20 clubs in Can Tho City, An Giang, Ca Mau, Vinh Long, and Tay Ninh gathered at the Can Tho City Sports Training and Competition Center (Soc Trang Ward) to compete. Behind the well-coordinated teams and their rhythmic movements lay the serious preparation of the clubs. Members took advantage of early mornings or late evenings to practice in parks, cultural centers, or community spaces. They were retired officials, small business owners, farmers, or housewives; despite their different professions and living circumstances, they shared a common desire to maintain health and improve their quality of life through practicing Tai Chi.
Mr. Tran Hong Chien, Chairman of the Song Vam Club ( Tay Ninh province), said: “The club was established in 2012 and currently maintains about 20 members who practice regularly. Thanks to participating in many provincial and open competitions, the members have become increasingly confident in their performances. The competition performances were all well-prepared, with a lot of time spent practicing. The club is very happy to have won 2 gold medals at the competition.”
A highlight of this year's tournament is the significantly improved professional quality. Clubs have focused on investing in their teams, movements, music, and artistic elements. Folk dances with a hometown feel, martial arts performances, and Tai Chi routines combined with appropriate music have created a diverse range of performances, contributing to the elevated level of the tournament.
Many athletes, some over 60 and even over 70 years old, still maintain admirable agility and flexibility. They come to the competition not only to compete but also to socialize, learn, and enjoy the pleasure of meeting friends with similar interests.
Ms. Trinh Thi Bay, 84 years old, a member of the Cai Nhum Club (Vinh Long province), shared: “What we look forward to most is not the prize, but the opportunity to meet friends from other localities. After each competition, the teams chat, exchange training experiences, and take souvenir photos.”
Beyond being just sports venues, Tai Chi and folk dance clubs are also effectively playing a role in connecting the community. Through regular exercise, many elderly people have an environment to socialize, share joys, and encourage each other in life.
Mr. Nguyen Van Thao, Chairman of the Can Tho City Tai Chi and Tai Chi Association, said: “The Association always aims to create more opportunities for the elderly to exercise, socialize, and play a role in the community. It is encouraging that the number of athletes participating in the competition is increasing, and the quality of the performances has improved significantly.”
As the tournament concluded, what remained was not just the spectacular performances or the medals won, but the image of elderly people with gray hair still enthusiastically dancing to the music, the warm handshakes between the delegations, and the joy evident on every face. All of this created a beautiful picture of the movement for physical exercise, health maintenance, and folk dance.
Text and photos: HONG NHUNG
Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/noi-tuoi-tac-khong-la-gioi-han-a208169.html
