The core of grassroots sports in Do Luong

(Baonghean) - Having dedicated their youth to the nation's long and arduous resistance struggle, upon returning to their localities, the veterans of Do Luong district continue to contribute diligently, becoming active participants in sports and physical education movements...

Giang Son Dong is a mountainous commune with many socio-economic difficulties. However, regarding the sports and physical education movement, Mr. Tran Doan Nho, Chairman of the Veterans Association of the commune, confidently asserted that it "is not far behind other areas in the entire district." Mr. Tran Doan Nho, a sturdy man with a strong, resolute, and energetic demeanor, clearly showed his "military spirit" as he led me to the commune's sports field. "In the afternoons, after finishing their work in the fields and harvests, the children go to school, and the young people return from work, everyone gathers here. They play volleyball, football, chess... it's very lively and fun!" - Mr. Tran Doan Nho explained.

However, this vibrant sports and physical activity has only truly emerged in recent years. Before that, due to the demands of making a living and the lack of a catalyst to stir up the movement, the people of Giang Son Dong were not very enthusiastic about sports and physical training. Concerned about the lack of a strong and active sports movement in the commune, the Veterans Association of Giang Son Dong discussed and determined that its members must set an example and take the lead, thereby creating a ripple effect among all segments of the population. "The Giang Son Dong Veterans Association has 584 members, of which, besides 9 veterans from the anti-French resistance period who are now elderly, the remaining members are all active key figures in the local sports and physical activity movement," shared Mr. Tran Doan Nho. Most of the veteran members are between 50 and 70 years old, and depending on their age and health, they choose a suitable sport. Volleyball players, chess players, card game players... The sports movement, based on the spirit of fun, health, and benefit, quickly creates joy and daily habits. “Not only do we improve our own health, but the veterans also encourage our relatives, children, and grandchildren to participate. At the same time, we incorporate this issue into our group meetings and neighborhood gatherings to promote it. Thanks to this, the movement's reach is expanding. In recent years, sports tournaments held during the spring, New Year, holidays, and anniversaries have attracted significantly more participants. The volleyball and chess players competing at district-level tournaments are also of higher quality and have achieved more success,” said a veteran enthusiastically involved in the group movement.

Veterans in Luu Son commune (Do Luong district) play Chinese chess.

In particular, Giang Son Dong is a mountainous area, so according to regulations, all soldiers who have completed their military service and wish to join the Veterans Association are eligible to join. The addition of young members, aged 25 and 27, truly creates a fresh impetus for the association's activities, making them more active in all movements. We met with former soldier Nguyen Van Nga at the Tay Xuan hamlet Veterans Association branch. At 27 years old, Nguyen Van Nga is highly praised for being an outstanding setter in the local volleyball team, and also a skilled chess player with many first and second place achievements in local and district-level sports tournaments. Being both a member of the Veterans Association and within the age range for Youth Union activities, former soldiers like Nguyen Van Nga have demonstrated a pioneering and exemplary spirit, becoming key figures in igniting many local movements. “Young people in the commune tend to gravitate towards entertainment and technology, distancing themselves from group and community activities, and paying little attention to physical education and sports. Organizations and associations at all levels regularly encourage, motivate, and innovate the methods of organizing activities to rekindle the enthusiasm of the young people to participate,” said former soldier Nguyen Van Nga.

Now, the vitality of the local sports movement is clearly evident in the changes in awareness and actions of the people. "In the spring competitions, people voluntarily contribute their efforts and resources, socializing the training and competition funds for the athletes," shared Mr. Tran Doan Nho, Chairman of the Veterans Association of Giang Son Dong commune, with joy.

As for the Veterans Association of Luu Son commune, its members both directly participate in and organize activities. Mr. Le Xuan Au, Chairman of the Veterans Association of Luu Son commune, said that the commune's strong point in sports is chess and card games. "In Luu Son, almost every family has a chess board. Every year, each hamlet organizes its own chess or card game competitions, then selects outstanding players to compete at the commune and district levels. Most hamlet-level tournaments are organized and regulated by the Veterans Association branches. The prizes for first and second place are 50,000 and 40,000 dong, or a package of tea or candy... but the joy lasts and the atmosphere is lively for a long time. A card game competition held in the village square or cultural center can start early in the morning and continue late at night, with lights still on. The playing and competition are completely innocent, bringing excitement and encouragement to the people," Mr. Le Xuan Au said.

Speaking about the role of veterans in the sports movement, Mr. Thai Doan Thu, Vice Chairman of the Veterans Association of Do Luong District, affirmed: “By upholding the qualities of soldiers and Party members who ‘lead the way,’ a large number of veteran members have become exemplary figures with a strong ripple effect in the locality. In 2014, the District Veterans Association initiated and organized a very vibrant and effective sports tournament, with competitions held in four clusters throughout the district. In the future, the association's orientation is to continue to promote and affirm the role of veterans in all areas of social life.”

Phuong Chi