5th Asian Beach Games Closes in Da Nang
After 10 days of competitions, the 5th Asian Beach Games (ABG5) officially ended in Da Nang with an impressive closing ceremony held at the Eastern Sea Park on 3 October.  Unlike the opening ceremony, which was hit by a tropical rainstorm at the start of the athletes’ parade, the closing ceremony was blessed with fine weather, enabling en enchanting cultural performance to showcase the magic and charm of Viet Nam.

The closing ceremony for ABG5

 

ABG5, themed  “Shining Sea, Bright Future”, took place in the city with the participation of about 2,500 athletes from 42 countries and territories from the five zones of Asia.  Vietnamese athletes finished on top of the medals table and bagged 52 gold, 44 silver and 43 bronze medals in 14 sports.  Thailand came second with 36 golds, 24 silvers and 30 bronzes, whilst China was third with 12 golds, 18 silvers and 19 bronzes.

 

Addressing the ceremony, Mr. Timothy Fok, Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), highly appreciated the preparations of the host country Viet Nam as well as Da Nang for the organisation of ABG5 despite the unfavourable weather conditions.  He added that the participating athletes and officials from National Olympic Committees around Asia had been very impressed with the hospitality and the scenic beauty of Da Nang.  “You have given us memories to treasure and written a new chapter in the history of the OCA with your truly magnificent 5th Asian Beach Games,” said Mr. Timothy Fok.

 

Vice President of OCA Timothy Fok; Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien and Chairman of Da Nang People’s Committee Huynh Duc Tho (from right to left) at the handover ceremony of the ABG flag (Photo: Quang Tien)

 

The Vietnanese Minister for Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien applauded efforts made by athletes, coaches and officials at the ABG.  He stressed that the participating athletes and coaches came to the ABG5 competition venues with the aim of not only bringing victory to their countries, but also sharing the beauty of their own cultures with friends worldwide. 

 

Cong Tam

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