Towards 12th provincial Sports Festival

ĐBP - As the 12th Điện Biên provincial Sports Festival of 2026 approaches, various sectors and localities across the province have been urgently finalizing their preparations.

From the successful organization of sports festivals at the sector, commune, and ward levels to the refinement of facilities, equipment, and manpower, every effort is directed toward a large-scale, safe, and impactful event that will leave a lasting mark on the provincial sports movement.

The festival is scheduled to run for five days from May 7 to May 11, with 56 delegations from various agencies and localities competing for glory. As the largest periodic sports event in the province, it serves as a comprehensive evaluation of the local sports movement’s growth while promoting physical training and the preservation of traditional ethnic sports. Furthermore, it acts as a crucial training ground to prepare high-performing athletes for the 10th National Sports Games later in 2026. To ensure a seamless execution, the province proactively issued organizational plans and established a Steering Board and an Organizing Panel early on.

A significant milestone in the preparation process has been the completion of grassroots sports festivals. By the end of February 2026, all 45 communes and wards had finished their local games, averaging eight sports and 26 events with nearly 470 athletes participating per unit. At the sector level, eight out of eleven departments had successfully held their games as of March 25, with the remaining units scheduled to finish in the near future.

To manage the extensive schedule, several competitions were held ahead of the main festival and concluded safely and successfully. Eight sports, including basketball, volleyball, football, pickleball, dance sport, athletics, entertainment dance, and cycling, completed 31 events. The Organizing Panel has already awarded 31 sets of medals to the high-achieving teams and individuals from these early rounds.

Nguyễn Hoàng Hiệp, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, noted that as the standing agency for the festival, the department has reviewed and upgraded venues and equipment to meet professional standards for both athletes and spectators. All regulations, sports performance scripts for the opening ceremony, and decoration plans have been finalized. The Opening Ceremony, expected to involve over 10,000 delegates and participants, will take place on the morning of May 7 at the provincial Stadium.

The Department is currently coordinating with various units to mobilize participants for the parade, mass performances, security, medical support, and reception. Training sessions for the parade and performances will commence shortly, accompanied by intensified promotion on mass media and social networks to invite residents to attend and cheer. With such thorough and scientific preparation, the 12th provincial Sports Festival promises to be a resounding success, fostering a festive atmosphere and contributing to local socio-economic development.