Wishing to build an “ASEAN Sports Heritage”

VHO - On the afternoon of October 13, the second session within the framework of the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Sports (SOMS-16) focused on discussing the implementation of activities to celebrate ASEAN Sports Day 2025, preparations for the 33rd SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games 2025, and key orientations during Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship year.

Overview of the 2nd session of SOMS-16

At the beginning of the meeting, delegates reviewed the activities to celebrate ASEAN Sports Day (August 8). Representatives of member countries shared initiatives to spread the message “Sports for health, sports for a united ASEAN community”.

Reporting at the Conference, Ms. Le Thi Hoang Yen - Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sports Department said that in response to ASEAN Sports Day, Vietnam has organized many rich and synchronized sports programs from the central to local levels, associated with the ASEAN logo to promote the image of a dynamic Vietnam, loving sports and actively integrating into the region.

Across the country, localities simultaneously organized Olympic Running Days for the health of the people, attracting thousands of people to participate in activities such as jogging, walking, swimming, badminton, etc. All aimed at improving health, enhancing exchanges, connecting the community and spreading the spirit of ASEAN solidarity. “Sports not only train the body but also serve as a bridge for peace , understanding and regional cooperation,” Ms. Yen emphasized.

Ms. Le Thi Hoang Yen - Deputy Director of the Vietnam Sports Department spoke at the meeting

In the next content, the Thai representative received special attention from member countries when presenting the preparations for the 33rd SEA Games and the 2025 ASEAN Para Games.

According to the plan, the 33rd SEA Games will take place from December 9 to 20 in Bangkok and two other localities, with 50 sports and 574 events. The 2025 ASEAN Para Games will be held in Nakhon Ratchasima province from January 20 to 26, 2026, with the opening and closing ceremonies at the Sports Complex celebrating the 80th birthday of the King of Thailand.

A notable highlight is the 33rd SEA Games Torch Relay, which will officially kick off on November 16, passing through four provinces including Bangkok, Chonburi, Songkhla and Nakhon Ratchasima. The event will be attended by ASEAN Ambassadors in Sanam Luang (Bangkok), aiming to spread the spirit of solidarity and friendship in the region.

Also at the conference, Thailand introduced a new version of the mascot “The San”, the official symbol for both the SEA Games and ASEAN Para Games 2025. The mascot is designed to be modern and easily recognizable, expressing the spirit of “accessibility, inclusion for everyone and reflecting Thai identity”. The SEA Games version bears the colors of the Thai national flag, while the ASEAN Para Games mascot represents the spirit of overcoming difficulties and the will to rise of disabled athletes.

The Thai representative said that all preparations are on schedule. From October 17-19, the country will hold the SEA Games 33 Technical Meeting to review expertise and receive comments from member countries. With the slogan “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, Thailand affirmed its determination to organize an impressive Games, spreading the spirit of cooperation and sustainable development of Southeast Asian sports.

In the final part of the session, Malaysia – the country assuming the role of ASEAN Chair in 2025 – presented the orientation and key initiatives with the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.

Representatives of countries speaking at SOMS-16

The Malaysian representative emphasized that the ASEAN sports development strategy in the new period will focus on combining high-level policy dialogue and grassroots participation, thereby turning sports into a driving force for sustainable social development and regional community cohesion.

The proposed initiatives focus on five key areas: Promoting gender equality in sports; Encouraging healthy and active lifestyles; Capacity building and training of ASEAN youth; Strengthening regional cooperation and building a unified and sustainable sports environment; Promoting the role of sports in strengthening ASEAN identity and the spirit of “one vision – one identity – one community”.

Malaysia also expressed its desire to build an “ASEAN's Legacy” – a platform for long-term and transformational cooperation, linking sports with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In their concluding remarks, ASEAN member countries appreciated the efforts of Thailand and Malaysia, and affirmed their commitment to continue cooperation so that sports can become a bridge to promote peace, friendship and sustainable development in the Southeast Asian region.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/mong-muon-xay-dung-mot-di-san-the-thao-asean-174531.html