National flags of Việt Nam and member ASEAN countries are raised at the 13th ASEAN School Games in Đà Nẵng City. The games officially begins on June 1. VNS Photo Công Thành

National flags of 10 member countries were raised at the official flag hoisting ceremony on June 1, marking the beginning of 13th ASEAN Schools Games (ASG). This event, held in the central beach city, is the largest regional sports gathering for school students.

The week-long competition, which kicked off with a basketball event on May 31, will feature intense matches among 1,300 athletes and coaches representing regional contenders in six sports: swimming, athletics, badminton, basketball, pencak silat, and vovinam.

Dancers perform at the flag hoisting ceremony of the ASEAN School Games at Tiên Sơn Sports Complex -- a major venue of the games on June 1-7. VNS Photo Công Thành

The official flame of the games was carried in a torch relay to the opening ceremony at the Tiên Sơn Sports Complex. It will continue to burn until the end of the game on June 7.

Athletes and coaches from 10 ASEAN member countries join the flag hoisting ceremony of the ASEAN School Games in Đà Nẵng City. The games has drawn the participation of more than 1.300 athletes and coaches on June 1-7. VNS Photo Công Thành

School students, coaches and participants will have chances to explore the beauty of land and nature of the beach city – one of the most visited destination, and a liveable city in central Việt Nam – as well as watching the red-shanked douc langurs species (mascot of the 13th ASEAN School Games) in the Sơn Trà Nature Reserve. – VNS