Bac Giang Ward ignites the flame of community sports.

The first Sports Festival of Bac Giang Ward (Bac Ninh Province) spread the spirit of health training and community bonding after the merger.

On May 20th, at the Bac Ninh Provincial Sports Arena, the People's Committee of Bac Giang Ward held the opening ceremony of the 1st Sports Festival in 2026. The event was not only a competition for grassroots athletes but also an opportunity to showcase the strength of unity and the new spirit of a post-merger urban administrative unit.

Vice Chairman of Bac Ninh Provincial People's Committee Mai Son (second from the right) and leaders of Bac Giang ward present commemorative flags to participating units at the opening ceremony. Photo: Bich Lien.

Attending the opening ceremony were Mr. Mai Son, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, and Head of the Organizing Committee of the 1st Bac Ninh Provincial Sports Festival; Mr. Dang Dinh Hoan, Provincial Party Committee Member, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Bac Giang Ward; leaders of departments, agencies, and Bac Giang Ward, along with a large number of people, students, and athletes in the area.

Prior to the opening ceremony, delegates performed the traditional incense offering and sacred fire-requesting ritual at the Provincial Martyrs' Memorial. This solemn ceremony marked the beginning of the Congress, expressing gratitude to previous generations and inspiring a spirit of competition, training, and dedication among officials, citizens, and athletes.

Mr. Dang Dinh Hoan, Secretary of the Party Committee of Bac Giang Ward, lights the traditional flame on the Congress's flame stand. Photo: Thu Phong.

Following the merger of seven wards, Bac Giang entered a new phase of development with many changes in socio -economic aspects, urbanization, and community life. In this context, the movement "All citizens practice physical training following the example of the great President Ho Chi Minh" continues to be maintained, expanded, and deepened. The percentage of people participating in regular physical exercise and sports has increased, and many clubs and groups have been formed in residential areas, schools, agencies, and units, creating a healthy environment for activities after study and work.

The opening ceremony was enlivened by a parade showcasing the strength of 25 contingents, attracting over 1,400 participants. Prominent among the parades were the contingents carrying the national flag, the Olympic flag, and portraits of President Ho Chi Minh, carried by officers and soldiers of Regiment 831 and students from Ngo Si Lien High School. The solemn yet energetic image of these forces created a dignified yet approachable atmosphere, perfectly embodying the spirit of a people's sports festival.

Groups participating in the parade at the opening ceremony of the 1st Bac Giang Ward Sports Festival in 2026. Photo: Bich Lien.

The congress was also attended by the Police, Military, Veterans Association, Women's Association, Trade Union, FPT High School, Dinh Ke Junior High School, and the residential clusters of Ngo Quyen, Tran Phu, Hoang Van Thu, Tho Xuong, Dinh Ke, Dinh Tri, and Xuong Giang. The presence of many generations and diverse groups created a colorful picture, clearly reflecting the spirit of "being healthy to build and protect the Fatherland".

One of the most moving moments of the opening ceremony was the lighting of the traditional flame. The flame was carried into the arena by sepak takraw athlete Phung Manh Tu, a former gold medalist at the World and Asian Sepak Takraw Championships and recipient of two Labor Orders from the President of Vietnam. From the hands of this exemplary athlete, the flame was solemnly lit on the Games' flame stand by Mr. Dang Dinh Hoan, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Bac Giang Ward.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Tran Van Thanh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Bac Giang Ward, emphasized that the first Bac Giang Ward Sports Festival in 2026 is a cultural and sporting event of special significance. It is a celebration of solidarity and dedication to training; an opportunity for agencies, units, and residential groups to interact, improve health, create a joyful atmosphere, and strengthen community bonds.

With the spirit of "Unity - Honesty - Nobility," the Congress aims to discover, select, and nurture outstanding individuals for the grassroots sports movement, thereby contributing a pool of athletes to high-performance sports in Bac Ninh province. More importantly, the event also contributes to making daily physical training a habit and a cultural norm in every family, residential area, school, and agency/unit.

The women's cross-country race at the Games. Photo: Thu Phong.

According to the plan, the first Bac Giang Ward Sports Festival will take place throughout May 2026, bringing together more than 200 outstanding athletes to compete in 10 sports including: cross-country running, chess, table tennis, badminton, sepak takraw, volleyball, men's football, pickleball, tug-of-war, and swimming. Immediately after the opening ceremony, the competitions continued in a lively atmosphere, offering spectators exciting matches.

From a neighborhood-level sporting event, the Congress spread a clear message: urban development is not only measured by infrastructure, economy, or the appearance of streets and neighborhoods, but also by the quality of spiritual life, health, and community cohesion. This is also an important foundation for Bac Giang ward to continue building a sustainable mass sports movement, contributing to creating a competitive spirit in the new development phase.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/phuong-bac-giang-thap-lua-the-thao-cong-dong-d812385.html