During the final days of June, the competitive atmosphere of the 7th provincial Sports Competition for Senior Citizens in 2026 unfolded vibrantly at the Provincial Multi-purpose Gymnasium. Continuous cheers and encouragement echoed across the courts, creating a joyful and exciting atmosphere that perfectly demonstrated the motto of “living joyful, healthy, and meaningful lives” among the elderly. Taking place over three days from June 24 to 26, this year’s festival attracted the participation of more than 600 athletes from 22 delegations representing various communes and wards across the province. The athletes competed across five sports, including badminton, Chinese chess, power walking, air volleyball, and gentle calisthenics, covering a total of 20 competitive categories.

Right from the very first day, athletes arrived early to attend the opening ceremony and prepare for their respective categories. Kicking off the competitive showcases at the festival was the performance of teams in the gentle calisthenics discipline. With thorough preparation and practice, the teams left a deep impression with synchronous and beautiful displays, showcasing the flexibility, strength, and optimistic spirit of senior citizens. These performances, which saw meticulous investment in costumes, music, and performance techniques, contributed to bringing a distinct color to the competition.

In the power walking category, every resilient step on the track demonstrated the will, determination, and spirit of the elderly. On the badminton courts, athletes competed with high resolve, dedicating their efforts to spectacular saves and impressive point-scoring plays.

Meanwhile, in the Chinese chess discipline, the matches took place with intense concentration and tension due to the single-elimination format. Since every mistake could cost players their ticket to the next round, everyone focused their minds entirely on deploying optimal chess moves to secure an advantage.

The most vibrant scenes belonged to the air volleyball courts. Sustained by enthusiastic cheers from the audience, the teams treated spectators to smooth and beautiful coordination plays, alongside high-effort ball saves and impressive scoring moments.

Participating in both the gentle calisthenics and power walking categories, Mào Thị Pánh, an athlete from Na Sang commune, excitedly shared: “I am very overjoyed to participate in this year’s competition. Despite our advanced age, we still actively practice every day to upgrade our health. This sports festival is not only an occasion to compete but also an opportunity for us to exchange, learn, and encourage one another to live joyful, healthy, and meaningful lives.”

Also competing at the festival, Nguyễn Kim Khánh, an athlete from Mường Thanh ward, confided: “I competed in the air volleyball category for those aged 66 and above. To prepare well for the competition, our team put a lot of effort into training over the past few weeks. Everyone was highly enthusiastic and united. Through this activity, senior citizens gain extra motivation to train their health, making their spirits much more joyful and optimistic.”

The competition did not just attract a large number of registered athletes; it also received widespread attention from local residents and senior association members who came to cheer and motivate the competing teams. Every time a beautiful ball play, an attractive badminton rally, or an impressive score occurred, the audience clapped and cheered enthusiastically, creating a high-energy atmosphere that further boosted the athletes’ spirits.

Nguyễn Văn Quang, a senior association member from Sam Mứn commune, stated: “I find this competition highly meaningful and practical, as it creates a healthy and useful playground for senior citizens, allowing us to meet and exchange with one another. I hope that in the coming time, there will be more meaningful activities like this to provide spaces for the elderly.”

Evaluating this year’s sports festival, Lò Văn Mừng, Chairman of the provincial Association of Senior Citizens, affirmed that the competition serves as a practical activity contributing to driving the physical training movement, upgrading health, and enriching the spiritual lives of senior citizens. He noted that this is also an occasion for the elderly to exchange, meet, and strengthen great solidarity. Annually, the provincial Association of Senior Citizens coordinates the organization of appropriate cultural and sports activities to shape a useful playground for its members.

After three days of exciting competition, the provincial Sports Competition for Senior Citizens officially concluded, yet the echoes of enthusiastic competitive spirit, resilience, and radiant, joyful smiles still linger. The event has truly turned into a grand festival for senior citizens, continuing to spread the spirit of living joyful, healthy, and meaningful lives for both families and society.