Ho Chi Minh City (VNA) – More than 5,000 people joined a community walk programme in Ho Chi Minh City on June 28 to mark 50 years since the Vietnamese southern hub Sai Gon – Gia Dinh was officially named after President Ho Chi Minh on July 2, 1976.
Organised by the municipal People's Committee at 30/4 Park on Le Duan street, the event brought together representatives of central and local agencies, diplomatic missions, the armed forces, businesses, artists, athletes, youth organisations and local residents.
The event aimed to promote physical exercise movements in the spirit of President Ho Chi Minh's teachings, improve public health, and foster civic pride and a shared sense of responsibility for the city's development.
Addressing the event, Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong described July 2, 1976 as a historic milestone when Saigon-Gia Dinh officially took the name of President Ho Chi Minh. He said this is not only a source of pride for the city's Party organisation, authorities and people, but also a reminder of the responsibility of people today to preserve and promote the city's revolutionary traditions, solidarity, dynamism, creativity and compassion.
Participants walked a 1.5-kilometre route starting from 30/4 Park, passing major streets including Le Duan, Cong xa Paris, Dong Khoi, Le Loi, Nguyen Hue, Le Thanh Ton and Pasteur before returning to the starting point. Along the route, they passed many of the city's iconic architectural landmarks and heritage sites, reinforcing the event's message of connecting tradition with the future.
Earlier, participants enjoyed an art performance themed "Heritage journey – advancing to the future", featuring artists, athletes and a variety of music, dance and sports performances.
On the same day morning, Xay dung (Construction) Newspaper organised a running tournament in Vung Tau ward, attracting nearly 4,000 runners competing over 5km, 10km and 21km distances.
Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Thi Hong Nga said the event was intended to promote the message of infrastructure development, modern urbanisation, and the creation of a high-quality, liveable environment for residents.
According Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Vung Tau ward Vo Van Thanh Sang, the race not only encouraged a healthy lifestyle and community spirit but also helped promote the coastal area's tourism potential and local economic development.
On the occasion, the newspaper donated 100 million VND (3,800 USD) to support 20 disadvantaged children in Vung Tau ward./.
