“The presence of play-grounds and sport facilities on the school creates favorable conditions for students to maintain a sport habit,” said Lam Ai Vy, a student at Binh Duong University’s Ca Mau branch.
That sentiment echoed across the southernmost province of Vietnam on the morning of October 10, as more than 4,000 officials, delegates, and residents gathered to launch a nationwide physical training campaign. The event aligns with the broader “National Movement for Physical Education following the example of the great President Ho Chi Minh,” an initiative overseen nationally by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Hanoi Launch Connects 33 Provinces for National Fitness Push
The campaign kicked off with a physical gathering in Hanoi linked online with 33 provinces and cities nationwide. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism overseeing the event to elevate public awareness regarding the role of regular physical activity in personal health and overall quality of life.
In Ca Mau Province, the local response drew high-ranking municipal figures to the venue. Attendees included Nguyen Minh Luan, vice chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee; Le Thanh Trieu, permanent vice chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee for Ca Mau Province; and Truong Dang Khoa, secretary of the Party Committee for Tan Thanh Ward. Alongside the administrative leadership, thousands of union members, youth, and elderly residents participated in the opening events.
Solidarity March Sets Off a Community-Wide Movement
Immediately following the opening ceremonies, participants took part in a large-scale solidarity march through Ca Mau. The demonstration aimed to spark a domino effect, encouraging residents to select activities matching their age, health status, and personal preferences.
Local sports culture has rapidly diversified beyond traditional routines. Walking, jogging, aerobics, folk dancing, badminton, volleyball, and table tennis have emerged as staple activities across neighborhoods, transforming recreation into a social anchor for community interaction.
Students and older adults alike have integrated these structured habits into their daily routines. Lam noted that university participants frequently turn to volleyball, badminton, and table tennis to build physical endurance and relieve academic stress. Meanwhile, older residents find value in lower-intensity programs. Cao Thi Phuong Mai, a resident of Ward 7 in Tan Thanh and a member of the “Beauty in Bloom” health and folk dance team, stated that regular, moderate movement helps reduce physical pain and supports overall wellness without requiring intense training regimens.
Building a Sustainable Culture of Health in Ca Mau
Local organizers intend for the 2026 campaign to transition voluntary exercise from a scheduled event into an ingrained daily habit. By encouraging every resident to adopt at least one suitable sport, provincial authorities aim to bolster public health metrics and foster a civilised, dynamic community foundation for regional development.
