Core of grassroots sports in Do Luong

(Baonghean) - Having devoted their entire youth to the nation's long war of resistance, returning to their hometowns, veterans of Do Luong district still tirelessly contribute, becoming active members of physical education and sports movements...

Giang Son Dong is a mountainous commune with many difficult socio-economic conditions. However, in terms of physical training and sports, Mr. Tran Doan Nho, Chairman of the Commune Veterans Association, firmly affirmed that "it is not much inferior to other areas in the district". Mr. Tran Doan Nho has a strong, sturdy, determined appearance, and a bold, enthusiastic "soldier-like" demeanor, leading me to the commune's stadium. "In the afternoon, people finish their field and crop work, children go to school, and young people come home from work. They all gather here to play volleyball, soccer, chess... very bustling and joyful!" - Mr. Tran Doan Nho said.

However, this vibrant physical education and sports activity has only really emerged in recent years. Before that, because of being busy making a living and not having any "agents" to stir up the movement, Giang Son Dong people were not very interested in sports activities and health training. Worried about the current situation of the movement in the commune being lacking and weak, the Commune Veterans Association discussed and determined that the force of veteran members must be exemplary and take the lead, thereby creating a spreading force to all classes of people. "Giang Son Dong Commune Veterans Association has 584 members, of which, in addition to 9 veteran members from the anti-French period who are now old, the remaining members are all active members in the local physical education and sports movement" - Mr. Tran Doan Nho shared. Most of the veteran members are between 50 and 70 years old. Depending on their age and health, the members choose suitable sports for themselves. Volleyball players, chess players, card players... The sports movement with the spirit of fun - health - usefulness quickly creates joy and daily habits. "Not only exercising for themselves, CCB members also encourage and motivate relatives, children and grandchildren in the family to exercise. At the same time, in union meetings and neighborhood meetings, we incorporate this issue for propaganda. Thanks to that, the spread of the movement is increasingly widespread. In recent years, sports tournaments in early spring, New Year, holidays, Tet, anniversaries... have attracted more participants. The force of volleyball players, chess players... who are typical in competing in district-level tournaments is also of better quality, with more achievements" - said a CCB enthusiastic about the union movement.

War veterans of Luu Son commune (Do Luong) play chess.

In particular, Giang Son Dong is a mountainous area, so according to regulations, soldiers who have completed their military service and wish to join the Veterans Association are eligible to join the association. Having more young people, aged 25 and 27, has really created a new breeze for the association's activities, actively participating in all movements. We met veteran Nguyen Van Nga at the Veterans Association in Tay Xuan hamlet. This year, 27 years old, Nguyen Van Nga is highly praised by many people for being an excellent setter in the volleyball team of his commune, and at the same time a talented chess player, with many first and second place achievements in sports tournaments at the commune and district levels. Being both a member of the Veterans Association and of the age to participate in the Youth Union, veterans like Nguyen Van Nga have promoted the spirit of initiative and exemplary behavior, becoming the nucleus to "light the fire" for many local movements. “Young people in the commune tend to lean towards entertainment and technology, stay away from group and community activities, and pay little attention to physical education and sports. Groups and associations often encourage, motivate, and innovate methods of organizing activities to arouse the enthusiasm of children to participate,” said veteran soldier Nguyen Van Nga.

Now, the vitality of the commune's sports movement has been clearly shown in each change in awareness and action of the people. "In the spring competitions, people also voluntarily contribute their efforts and materials, socializing the training and competition funds for athletes," Mr. Tran Doan Nho, Chairman of the Association of War Veterans of Giang Son Dong commune happily shared.

As for the Association of War Veterans of Luu Son Commune, members both directly participate and play the role of organizing activities. Mr. Le Xuan Au, Chairman of the Association of War Veterans of Luu Son Commune, said that the strength of the commune's sports is Chinese chess and card chess. "In Luu Son, almost every family has a chess table. Every year, hamlets organize their own chess or card chess competitions, then select outstanding people to compete in commune and district level tournaments. Most of the hamlet level tournaments are gathered, organized, and issued by the Veterans Association branches. "The first and second prizes are 50,000, 40,000 VND, or tea bags, candy bags... but the joy lasts and is lively forever. A card chess competition held in the communal house yard or the hamlet cultural house can start from early morning until late at night, then the lights are turned on and the game continues. "Playing and competing is completely pure, bringing excitement and encouragement to the masses," said Mr. Le Xuan Au.

Talking about the role of veterans in the physical training and sports movement, Mr. Thai Doan Thu, Vice Chairman of the Association of War Veterans in Do Luong district affirmed: "Promoting the qualities of soldiers and party members "standing at the forefront, taking the lead", a large number of War Veterans Association members have become typical core members, with strong influence in the locality. In 2014, the District War Veterans Association launched and organized a very exciting and effective sports tournament, in the form of competitions in 4 clusters across the district. In the coming time, the association's orientation is to continue promoting and affirming the role of War Veterans in all areas of social life".

Phuong Chi