From launching the Month of Physical Activity for All to organizing the Olympic Run Day for Public Health alongside various movement-based tournaments, the atmosphere of physical training has become vibrant in many localities, creating a positive shift in both public awareness and action.

Public Health Day is held annually to raise community awareness about healthcare, responding to the World Health Day initiated by the World Health Organization. The year 2026 marks the first year of implementing Public Health Day under the theme “Proactive Disease Prevention - For a Healthy Vietnam.” In Điện Biên, the response has moved beyond mere symbolic events, being concretized through a series of continuous programs spanning from the provincial level down to the grassroots level.

A major highlight of these activities was the 2026 Olympic Run Day “For Public Health - For National Security,” an event that attracted nearly 23,000 participants across 44 locations in the province. At Điện Biên Phủ Square alone, approximately 6,000 people gathered to participate. Thousands of people starting together and moving through central streets created a spirited atmosphere, demonstrating a strong sense of community response. The participants represented a diverse cross-section of society, including the armed forces, students, civil servants, and the general public.

Simultaneously, the launch ceremony for the Month of Physical Activity for All drew over 2,200 participants for the response run and traditional folk sports such as tug-of-war and stick pushing. By interweaving light physical exercises with folk games, the activities became more accessible and suitable for various ages, thereby expanding the number of participants. These consecutive events have helped maintain the momentum of the movement, gradually turning the goal of raising physical awareness and building a healthy lifestyle into a reality. Many residents have proactively maintained their daily training habits following these events.

Individual stories reflect the success of the movement. Vũ Thị Lựu, a resident of Điện Biên Phủ ward, shared that since participating in the Olympic Run, she has maintained a daily walking habit, leading to improved health and a more comfortable spirit that enhances her work efficiency. Similarly, Nguyễn Xuân Thăng, a grassroots-level athlete, noted that mass sports tournaments provide an opportunity to exchange experiences and challenge oneself, but the most important outcome is maintaining the training habit to improve health.

The work of promoting and encouraging the movement has also been prioritized. Awards given to journalistic works about sports have helped spread positive stories and honor exemplary individuals and collectives. Phạm Quang Bảo An, a student from Tân Bình Secondary School who won an “inspiring” award in an essay contest celebrating the 80th anniversary of Vietnam Sports Day, explained that the contest helped her better understand the role of physical activity. Consequently, she has proactively engaged in exercise to support her studies.

The series of activities responding to Public Health Day this year has been implemented in a synchronized manner, linking all levels of government. The broad participation of the people indicates that the sports movement is gradually deepening and becoming a part of daily life. As living standards continue to rise, the demand for healthcare and protection has become a priority for residents. Moving forward, authorities will continue to maintain and effectively organize sports activities, diversifying content and formats to suit every demographic and ensure that physical training becomes a regular habit for all.