Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) presents the proceeds collected from the auction of the ball and the jersey of the U23 Vietnam team to representatives of 20 poor districts (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The 20 billion VND (878,000 USD) collected from the auction of the ball and the jersey with autographs of all members of U23 Vietnam team, the runners-up of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U23 Championship last January, was presented to 20 deprived districts of 12 provinces nationwide in Hanoi on March 11.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended the presentation ceremony, which also saw the presence of head coach Park Hang-seo and players of the U23 Vietnam team along with representatives of the 20 localities.
The beneficiary districts are Dong Van and Meo Vac of Ha Giang province, Muong Khuong and Si Ma Cai of Lao Cai, Ha Quang and Bao Lac of Cao Bang, Van Ho and Sop Cop of Son La, Muong Te and Sin Ho of Lai Chau, Muong Lat of Thanh Hoa, Ky Son and Tuong Duong of Nghe An, A Luoi of Thua Thien-Hue, Tu Mo Rong and Kon Plong of Kon Tum, Bac Tra My and Tay Giang of Quang Nam, Tan Phu Dong of Tien Giang, and Tra Cu of Tra Vinh.
Addressing the event, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc appreciated the warm response that organisations and people nationwide gave to the auction. He also congratulated FLC Group on winning the auction.
He asked authorities of the 20 districts to use the presented money to build 500 houses worth 40 million VND (over 1,750 USD) each for revolution contributors, policy beneficiary families and low-income earners.
[PM presents U23 team’s ball, shirt for auction to raise funds for the poor]
He also encouraged Vietnam’s football to take more firm, confident and drastic steps forwards after the excellent performance at the AFC U23 Championship so as to deserve the trust of fans across the country.
The Government leader also took this chance to call on all-level authorities and sectors to follow the spirit of U23 Vietnam to make strong reforms and be united and determined to develop the country.
The ball and the jersey were initially gifts from the U23 team to PM Phuc.
On February 1, the PM handed over the gifts to Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung and Minister of Information and Communications Truong Minh Tuan for auction.
The auction from February 6 to February 11 attracted people from all social strata. FLC Group initially bid 12 billion VND (526,800 USD) for both items and then raised the sum to 20 billion VND to win the auction.-VNA
VNA
