On the morning of November 24, the second season of the "Integrated Steps 2024" race officially took place at Song Hau Park, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City, in response to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3).
The sports event was organized by the Association of People with Disabilities in Can Tho City, with about 2,000 athletes registered to participate. The goal is to motivate and encourage members and people with disabilities to participate in sports to improve their health and confidently integrate into the community.
In particular, disabled athletes (using wheelchairs) participate in the 500m and 2km distances; free athletes participate in the 2km, 5km and 10km distances, creating a beautiful journey to connect, understand and accompany each other.
Participating in a race for the disabled for the first time, Ms. Tran Ngoc Diep (a disabled athlete in Ho Chi Minh City) emotionally said: "I find this race very meaningful, because it has helped me have more strength to continue living, live well and contribute to the country."
As a disabled athlete participating in the 2km race, Dang Hoang An (Long An province) shared that this was the 8th time he participated in the race, and this race was very special because it was organized for people with disabilities. Through this, he also wanted to spread the spirit of loving sports and exercising to everyone.
Ms. Huynh Ngoc Hong Nhung - President of the Association of People with Disabilities in Can Tho City - said that the "Steps of Integration" race not only creates a healthy playground for athletes but also conveys a message of equality, solidarity and mutual support. In particular, for people with disabilities, sports are also a means for them to assert themselves, overcome their limitations and integrate into the community.
The “Steps of Integration 2024” race also raises funds to build practical facilities for people with disabilities. The City Association for the Disabled plans to build or adjust 10 accessible toilets for members.
