Athletes test routes of the Huế Half Marathon which is one of the activities of the first Huế Sports Festival 2023. Photo courtesy of the organisers

HÀ NỘI — Many tournaments are planned for the first-ever Huế Sports Festival 2023, a huge sports show to promote public health organised by the People's Committee [Administration] of Thừa Thiên Huế Province.

The festival is in response to the call of late President Hồ Chí Minh to all people to promote their wellness through sporting activities. It is also to promote the province's culture and tourism potential and strong points.

Currently, a seven-a-side football tournament TPL-S2 is ongoing at the Uyên Phương Football Field.

The competition features eight teams from Hà Nội, Đà Nẵng, Quảng Trị and Huế competing in a round robin two group format.

The final is on June 23 with the winner walking away with VNĐ30 million. Organisers also present awards to MVP, top scorer and best XI.

Around 300 children from different age groups will compete in balance bike racing at Thương Bạc Park on June 23-24.

A Flashmob Festival will be held at Ngọ Môn Square on June 24 featuring 15 teams from around the country. 

During the Huế Sports Festival, a flashmob and aerobics demonstration will be held for people of all age groups . — Photo courtesy of the organisers

A day later, the Gala Flashmob Festival 2023 and flashmob-aerobic demonstrations will attract more than 2,000 participants and will be held along with a performance by the famous music band Dalab from HCM City.

The festival aims to spread the human values and the beauty of Huế people to the wider community, conveying a positive message of smiles and happiness.

The main activity of the festival will be the Huế Half Marathon 2023 on June  23-25.

Despite its debut, nearly 5,000 athletes have registered to take part in the marathon in three categories of 5km,10km and 21km.

At a press conference on June 20, organisers said the routes would lead runners through Huế's royal citadel among other national heritages which would give them a special and interesting running experience.

All routes have been internationally recoganised by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). The results of the runners can be submitted to register for high-profile marathons in the world.

AIMS experts inspect routes of the Huế Half Marathon. All three categories of the tournaments meet international standards. — Photo courtesy of the organisers

All three distances on June 25 will begin and end at the Phu Văn Lâu, a two-storey wooden building built in 1818 during the reign of King Gia Long, in Lê Duẩn Street.

Total prize money of VNĐ300 million will be given to the top runners.

The Huế SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) Race will follow on July 1 at the Boat Wharf on Nguyễn Đình Chiểu Pedestrian Street

The tournament with more than 300 competitors, is one events of the Việt Nam Sup Race by K’Event which has been held since 2019.

SUP is one of the new sports that has become popular in Việt Nam recently, attracting many athletes of all ages to participate.

The Thừa Thiên Huế Tennis Open will be held on June 30-July 2 at the An Cựu Court. Nearly 300 athletes will take part in five categories of men's and women's and mixed doubles for a purse of VNĐ250 million.

The Huế - Zumba Festival and Carnival will wrap up the provincial's sporting extravaganza on July 1-2 on Hai Bà Trưng Street and Huế Monument for the Dead on Lê Lợi Street.

Local and international dancers from 14 localities will come to perform at the two-day event. There are different categories such as Zumba Gold, Zumba Kids, Zumba Fitness and Strong Nation for a range of age groups. 

At the Mega Zumba Party event, people will be led and instructed by international expert Jarrod Tucker along with national leading trainers.

The Huế Sports Festival 2023 is organised by the Huế City People's Committee in coordination with the  Group 75 Company. VNS