Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam Paralympic Committee on September 22 held a ceremony in Hanoi to mark its 30th anniversary (September 11, 1995 – 2025).
Vietnam has more than 7 million people with disabilities aged two and above, accounting for over 7% of the population. Sport has long been recognised as a vital channel to help people with disabilities improve health, build confidence, and integrate into society while striving to reach the highest levels of international competition.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh recalled that the committee, originally founded as the Vietnam Sports Association for People with Disabilities, was established by a Prime Minister’s decision in 1995. Despite facing enormous difficulties in its early years, the Paralympic movement grew steadily thanks to the determination of athletes, coaches, and strong community support. Today it is an integral part of Vietnam’s sports development.
He praised para-athletes for not only winning international medals but also inspiring millions of people through their resilience and determination.
“When the national flag rises at Paralympic or ASEAN Para Games arenas, it is not only a moment of individual pride but also a symbol of Vietnam’s spirit to overcome challenges and reach new heights,” he stressed.
Chinh commended generations of leaders, officials, coaches, and athletes who have dedicated themselves to disability sports, and thanked domestic and international partners for their contributions. He emphasised that developing disability sports is both a social cause and a key component of Vietnam’s human development strategy.
Chairman of the Vietnam Paralympic Committee Huynh Vinh Ai said the committee has set the goals for 2030 of developing at least 16 sports, attracting 40,000 participants annually, and expanding sports clubs for people with disabilities nationwide, with a vision of engaging 1 million people with disabilities in physical and sporting activities. It also aims to sustain 55–60 key athletes, nurture 10–15 young athletes each year, and strive for athletes to qualify for and win medals at the 2028 Paralympics, along with stepping up the development of community-based sports.
Over the past decade, para-athletes have brought home remarkable results, including a gold medal at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, eight golds at the 2018 Asian Para Games, and 66 golds at the 2023 ASEAN Para Games. Outstanding athletes include powerlifters Le Van Cong and Chau Hoang Tuyet Loan, swimmer Vo Thanh Tung, and javelin thrower Cao Ngoc Hung.
At the ceremony, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism presented Certificates of Merit to two collectives and eight individuals for their contributions.
The Project Vietnam Foundation also donated 30 wheelchairs to the committee.
Several cooperation agreements with businesses and social organisations for 2025–2030 were signed on this occasion./.
