ASEAN School Games

The red-shanked douc is mascot of the 13th ASEAN School Games. — Photo of organisers

ĐÀ NẴNG — The red-shanked douc has been chosen mascot of the 13th ASEAN School Games which will be officially opened in Việt Nam in May.

The red-shanked douc is an endemic animal species living in Laos, Cambodia and Việt Nam. Sơn Trà Peninsular of Đà Nẵng is home to the largest number of red-shanked douc in the world.

The langurs are listed as endangered in the Red Book of Việt Nam and declared critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with the main threats being: hunting, habitat loss and pet trade.

Đà Nẵng will be the host city which will welcome about 1,500 athletes and coaches from 10 ASEAN countries. The athletes will compete in six sports of swimming, basketball, badminton, athletics, pencak silat, and vovinam.

This year's the slogan is "Connect and Shine".

The opening and closing ceremonies will be organised at the Tiên Sơn Sports Complex on May 1 and June 9, respectively. — VNS