Vietnamese Agent Orange victims have won over the pains they suffered to make their cross-country cycling tour finish in Hanoi on November 26.

They sent out an indomitable will to win in any circumstances, which was applauded by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan at a ceremony to welcome them in the capital city the same day.

The victims came out from the programme of “Accompanying Agent Orange (AO) victims for Vietnam -the Republic of Korea (RoK) Friendship”, which marked the 20 th anniversary of Vietnam-RoK diplomatic ties.

The event was jointly held by the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/ Dioxin (VAVA) and the RoK’s MBC Television.

Set off on November 1 from Ho Chi Minh City, these AO victims together with Koreans in a group of 90 pedaled through 19 cities and provinces before reaching Hanoi.

During the 1,750 kilometre-long 22-stage journey the participants held exchanges with AO victims in the locality they visited and took part in other social activities.

Deputy PM Nhan said this special race had no prize as it showed how AO victims overcome themselves to become the winners.

He lauded the efforts of the organising board as well as the support of sectors, branches and localities for the event.

T he journey has also contributed to strengthening ties between Vietnam and the RoK and reflected the solidarity between the two countries, as well as warm sentiments both peoples give each other, Nhan said.

The organising board presented insignias to 20 cyclists and certificates of merit to individuals who contributed to the success of the programme.-VNA