Promoting sports and physical activity to improve public health

The sports and physical activity movement is gaining widespread momentum among residents. Choosing a suitable sport and exercising regularly can improve health, promote a healthy lifestyle and strengthen community bonds.

Dong Nai City recently joined a campaign launched by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, encouraging every resident to choose at least one sport suited to their needs and practice it regularly. The initiative aims to help people develop lasting exercise habits, take a proactive approach to their health and further promote the nationwide campaign encouraging physical fitness in the spirit of President Ho Chi Minh’s example, with the vision of “One Nation in Motion, a Healthy Vietnam.”

More than 3,000 Dong Nai residents attended the launch ceremony for the campaign encouraging everyone to choose at least one suitable sport for regular exercise.

Making exercise a daily habit

Early in the morning and in the evening, people walking, jogging, cycling and practicing traditional health exercises have become a familiar sight in parks, residential neighborhoods and along roads across Dong Nai. Older residents stay active to maintain their health, while young adults head to football fields and badminton courts after work to relieve stress and improve their fitness. Children take part in their favorite sports after school to ease the stress of studying and support their physical development. Everyone chooses their own way to exercise, but all share the goal of improving physical fitness and mental well-being.

For Luu Kim Ngoc, 66, a resident of Tran Bien Ward, physical activity has become part of her daily routine. At around 5 a.m., she heads to a nearby park to exercise, walk and cycle approximately three kilometers. She also participates in a health exercise club for older adults in her neighborhood.

Years of regular exercise have helped Ngoc maintain stable health and a positive outlook. She believes that appropriate physical activity helps keep the body flexible, preserve mobility and improve quality of life.“Health is our most valuable asset. I have exercised regularly for years to stay fit and happy. Good health allows me to take better care of my family and participate in neighborhood activities,” she said.

Sharing this view, Nguyen Minh Tan, 56, a resident of Xuan Lap Ward, makes time for exercise despite his busy work schedule. For years, he has regularly played football and badminton with friends, while also walking and jogging on his days off over the weekend. He also pays attention to his diet to ensure adequate nutrition and chooses sports he enjoys to maintain his exercise routine over the long term. Regular exercise helps him stay agile and in good spirits, making work and daily activities easier.

The sports movement has also attracted many schoolchildren and university students. Nguyen Minh Hai, a ninth-grade student at Tran Hung Dao Secondary School in Tran Bien Ward, said he had been playing football since the age of nine. In recent years, he has added badminton and weekend swimming to his routine. “Football helps improve my physical fitness, badminton develops my agility and reflexes, while swimming gives my whole body a workout,” he said. Taking part in sports also gives him more opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities, spend less time on his phone and concentrate better on his studies.

According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Dong Nai’s sports movement has made steady progress in recent years. Participation in physical activities has expanded, while the city’s sports teams have competed in national, regional and international tournaments, achieving notable results. Building on these achievements, the Dong Nai City People’s Committee has developed a scheme for high-performance sports development through 2030, with a vision to 2045. The aim is to develop a professional, modern, effective and sustainable sports sector.

Spreading the movement from families to communities

The sports movement is also gaining traction among families who exercise together. For Bach Tan Thanh, a resident of Bien Hoa Ward, playing football is a way to stay healthy and relieve stress after work. Despite his demanding job, he tries to make it to the football field in the evenings or on weekends, often bringing his 11-year-old son along. Initially, their outings were simply an opportunity for father and son to exercise and have fun together while encouraging the boy to spend less time on his phone and watching television.

Recognizing his son’s talent for football, Thanh arranged for him to join a structured training club. His son continues to train there and was recently selected for Bien Hoa Ward’s Under-11 team to compete in the 21st Children’s Football Tournament – Dong Nai Newspaper and Radio, Television – C.P. Vietnam Cup 2026. Their shared passion for football has given father and son more quality time together and encouraged the boy to pursue his interests with dedication.

Alongside older adults, students and workers, local officials and civil servants are also actively participating in sports activities. Many walk or jog in the mornings or play volleyball and table tennis with colleagues after work. These activities create opportunities to socialize, share interests and develop a more active lifestyle while raising awareness of the importance of maintaining good health.

Tran Van Thuan, who works at the General Services Center in Phu Nghia Commune, said football was his favorite sport and one he had practiced for many years. “Even when work is busy, I try to manage my time so that I can fulfill my responsibilities, care for my family and stay physically active. Football not only improves physical fitness but also benefits mental well-being. Exercising in the morning helps me stay healthy, feel refreshed, think more clearly and work more effectively,” he said.

To ensure the movement continues to grow sustainably, local authorities across Dong Nai are focusing on maintaining sports activities in neighborhoods, schools, offices and public institutions. They are organizing competitions suited to different age groups and creating favorable conditions for sports clubs and groups to develop. Public outreach efforts also encourage residents to participate in the nationwide campaign promoting physical fitness in the spirit of President Ho Chi Minh’s example, with the aim of making regular exercise a lasting habit for individuals and families.

Luu Thi Hang, Vice Chairwoman of the Tam Hiep Ward People’s Committee, said that in response to growing demand for sports and physical activities, the ward would continue reviewing existing sports grounds and cultural and sports facilities to make effective use of them, while proposing improvements to address remaining shortcomings. The ward is also encouraging coordination among neighborhoods, schools, agencies and local sports clubs, as well as calling on organizations and individuals to contribute appropriate resources to create more spaces for residents to exercise.

“We hope every resident will find a sport suited to their age, lifestyle and health condition and make it part of their regular routine. When this movement reaches every neighborhood and every family, it will lay the foundation for a healthier community and help improve residents’ quality of life,” Hang said.

By An Nhon – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho