Cycling-for-peace event kicks off in Quang Tri

A cycling-for-peace event took place today (June 29) at the Hien Luong-Ben Hai national historical relic site in the central coastal province of Quang Tri.

The cycling-for-peace event features a tour that takes some 600 participants to the most famous relics in the province and promotes local cultural values to the world.

The flag tower, where the opening ceremony of the cycling-for-peace event takes place. Photo: Minh Duc

During the two days, the cyclists and participants will honor martyrs, invalids, and people for devoting their lives to secure national independence and freedom, deliver gifts to underprivileged children, and launch activities on environmental protection.

The main-event cycling race will take place tomorrow (June 30) at the Quang Tri Citadel, drawing 450 racers from 60 clubs in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. At the citadel, there will be a street parade for peace and environment.

Provincial leaders, distinguished guests, and cyclists at the opening ceremony. Photo: Minh Duc

According to Hoang Nam, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee and Head of the festival’s Organization Board, the event is a chance for the people of Vietnam and Quang Tri Province to speak out about their desire for peace, freedom, self-reliance, and sovereignty.

"I hope that distinguished guests, cyclists and tourists will have some special experiences when exploring the natural landscapes and cultural traits in Quang Tri. Our friendly, hospitable province will be a fascinating, attractive destination in Vietnam," the vice chairman said at the opening ceremony.

Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee Hoang Nam delivers his opening remarks. Photo: Minh Duc

He urged local authorities to do their best to ensure the cycling event goes well in two days. "The activities must be done well to honor the families with great contributions, spread the fire of courage, determination and resilience among all people, comrades and officials, especially young people, to achieve higher results in socio-economic development."

Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Ngoc Toan of Thanh Nien (Youth) Newspaper, the event’s co-organizer, said that it is not just a sports event but a journey back in time.

Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Ngoc Toan of Thanh Nien (Youth) Newspaper delivers his speech. Photo: Minh Duc

"Cyclists will travel through many historical places in the province, such as the Truong Son National Martyrs' Cemetery and the Fidel Castro Park. At these places, we will pay our respect to our heroes and send our message of peace to the world," he said.

"We pray that the wheels of peace will continue consistently and keep the whole world in peace, prosperity, and happiness."

Provincial People's Committee Vice Chairman Hoang Nam raises the flag to kick off the cycling event. Photo: Minh Duc

Vice Chairman Hoang Nam, other provincial leaders and distinguished guests walk on Hien Luong Bridge to send balloons and doves to pray for peace. Photo: Minh Duc

Vice Chairman Hoang Nam, provincial leaders and delegates greet cyclists and wish them a wonderful trip. Photo: Minh Duc

After the opening ceremony, provincial leaders and distinguished guests walked on Hien Luong Bridge, released the doves and balloons to pray for peace, and wished for the best during the event.

Participating cyclists tour across Hien Luong Bridge. Photo: Minh Duc

Later, at the Truong Son National Martyrs' Cemetery, they offered incense and flowers to honor those who died heroically for the freedom and independence of Vietnam in the two wars.

Participating cyclists on the way to Truong Son National Martyrs' Cemetery. Photo: Minh Duc

On the occasion, Thanh Nien Newspaper and the Quang Tri Provincial Cycling Club presented 15 packages of gifts to the families of invalids and martyrs. They handed 15 bicycles to underprivileged students for their better-than-expected performances.

Vice Chairman Hoang Nam and other provincial leaders ring the bell at the Truong Son National Martyrs' Cemetery. Photo: Minh Duc

Provincial leaders, guests and participating cyclists offer flowers and incense to honor the martyrs. Photo: Minh Duc

After that, the delegates and cyclists continued their trip to Fidel Castro Park in Dong Ha City, where they signed their names and wrote down the for-peace messages on the event’s flag.

Vice Chairman Hoang Nam delivers presents to families of martyrs and invalids. Photo: Minh Duc

Vice Chairman Hoang Nam presents 15 bicyles for local students with exceptional performances. Photo: Minh Duc

The flag is 54m2 large and represents 54 ethnic minorities in Vietnam. It is designed with doves with a rice branch (representing the desire for peace, prosperity, and happiness) and a red, yellow, and blue silk strip (symbolizing the Vietnamese national flag, the blood of Vietnamese soldiers, and hope for peace). The flag will be sent to the UNESCO’s Peace Committee as a message to peace lovers.

Provincial leaders, guests and participating cyclists sign on the event's flag. Photo: Minh Duc

Vice Chairman Hoang Nam gives medals of honor to participating cyclists. Photo: Minh Duc

Provincial leaders, guests and participating cyclists take a group photo. Photo: Minh Duc

The two-day cycling event marked the inauguration of the 2024 Festival for Peace 2024, which is hosted by the province for the first time. The festival aims to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Geneva Peace Accords 1954 (July 21, 1954), the 77th anniversary of the War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27, 1947), and the 50th anniversary of the Reunification Day (April 30, 1975).

Minh Duc – Huy Anh