Tonight (April 20), the 10th National Phu Dong Sports Festival 2024, Region 4 (HKPĐTQ-KV4) officially opened in Buon Ma Thuot City (Dak Lak).

According to the organizers, HKPĐTQ-KV4 will take place over 9 days (April 20-28), with 13 delegations and 1,468 athletes from 13 provinces and cities in the Southeast and Central Highlands regions; along with 387 leaders, coaches, and 178 referees. Ho Chi Minh City is the locality with the largest number of participants with 339 athletes; Ninh Thuan has the least, with 15 athletes.

Mr. Pham Dang Khoa, Director of the Dak Lak Department of Education and Training, Head of the Organizing Committee of HKPĐTTQ-KV4, said that the preparation work for this activity was coordinated and implemented synchronously and thoughtfully by all levels and sectors of Dak Lak province; focusing on ensuring absolute security and safety for the forces participating in HKPĐTTQ-KV4.

"The first time a major school sports event was assigned to Dak Lak by the Ministry of Education and Training is both an honor and pride but also a huge responsibility. We have actively advised the Provincial People's Committee to direct departments, branches, and localities to deploy synchronous preparations from facilities, equipment, and plans. In particular, security, safety, food hygiene, fire prevention, etc. are carefully reviewed and inspected," said Mr. Khoa.

Mr. Vo Dinh Doai, Head of the Department of Sports Management - Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dak Lak, member of the Organizing Committee of HKPĐTQ-KV4, said that the athletes competed in 11 sports. According to Mr. Doai, in the current hot weather conditions in Dak Lak, the organizing committee has arranged the competition schedule with reasonable time.

In particular, outdoor competitions such as football and athletics are arranged at suitable times, avoiding the heat, with priority given to ensuring the health of student athletes.

Specifically, for outdoor sports (including athletics), athletes will compete from 7-8 am, and soccer from 8-9 am. In the afternoon, athletes will compete from 3 pm, and soccer from 4 pm...