VietNamNet Bridge – More than 600 international and domestic reporters have registered to cover the fifth Asian Beach Games (ABG5) in Da Nang City from September 24 to October 3, with teams training in the city from September 18th.

Fun for all: East Sea Park in Da Nang will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 5th Asian Beach Games.

Speaking at a press conference on the games, vice director of the central city’s Culture and Sports department, Nguyen Phuc Linh said that the city was working for a successful beach games.

“We have received the registration of 3,100 athletes and 1,500 coaches and officials from 42 teams from Asian countries and territories. Over 1,400 international and domestic referees, supervisors and technical experts will officiate the 10-day games that Viet Nam will host for the first time,” Linh said, adding that 1,500 Vietnamese volunteers will join the games.

Linh said preparations for the games had been difficult as a storm hit central Viet Nam on Monday, but the locality would hand over the competition venues, accommodation, vehicles and facilities in time.

Telecommunication infrastructure has been set up at four major venues – the East Sea Park, My Khe beach, Son Thuy beach and Phuong Trang beach – in Ngu Hanh Son and Son Tra District.

The city will also host series cultural performance for athletes and visitors during the games including street fashion of participating countries at ABG5 and a beach festival at My Khe beach.

The city sees the games as an opportunity to promote tourism and culture to international guests.

The city has launched a public service switchboard (0511-1022) to provide information for foreign tourists in the city from 7.30am to 9pm every day.

Life’s a beach: My Khe beach in Da Nang City will host many beach sports during the Asian Beach Games.        On your marks: Runners race on the beach of Da Nang. The city will host the Asian Beach Games from September 24th to October 3rd. -- Photos: VNS

The biennial event is themed ‘Shining Sea, Bright Future’ 172 medal sets available across 14 sports.

The East Sea Park will host the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the main sports.

The 5th Asian Beach Games will be the first time the country has hosted the Games.

At the previous edition of the event in Thailand two years ago, Thailand was crowned the overall Asian Beach Games Champion for the second time.

Viet Nam finished in fifth place - their most successful campaign, with eight gold, 12 silver and 20 bronze medals.

VNS