HCM CITY — More than 5,000 people joined a community walk programme in HCM City on June 28 to mark 50 years since the Vietnamese southern hub Sài Gòn – Gia Định was officially named after President Hồ Chí Minh on July 2, 1976.

Organised by the municipal People's Committee at 30/4 Park on Lê Duẩn Street, the event brought together representatives of central and local agencies, diplomatic missions, the armed forces, businesses, artists, athletes, youth organisations and local residents.

The event aimed to promote physical exercise movements in the spirit of President Hồ Chí Minh's teachings, improve public health, and foster civic pride and a shared sense of responsibility for the city's development.

Addressing the event, Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Nguyễn Mạnh Cường described July 2, 1976 as a historic milestone when Sài Gòn – Gia Định officially took the name of President Hồ Chí Minh. He said this is not only a source of pride for the city's Party organisation, authorities and people, but also a reminder of the responsibility of people today to preserve and promote the city's revolutionary traditions, solidarity, dynamism, creativity and compassion.

Participants walked a 1.5km route starting from 30/4 Park, passing major streets including Lê Duẩn, Công Xá Paris, Đồng Khởi, Lê Lợi, Nguyễn Huệ, Lê Thánh Tôn and Pasteur before returning to the starting point. Along the route, they passed many of the city's iconic architectural landmarks and heritage sites, reinforcing the event's message of connecting tradition with the future.

Earlier, participants enjoyed an art performance themed "Heritage journey – advancing to the future", featuring artists, athletes and a variety of music, dance and sports performances.

On the same day morning, Xây Dựng (Construction) Newspaper organised a running tournament in Vũng Tàu Ward, attracting nearly 4,000 runners competing over 5km, 10km and 21km distances.

Editor-in-Chief Nguyễn Thị Hồng Nga said the event was intended to promote the message of infrastructure development, modern urbanisation, and the creation of a high-quality, liveable environment for residents.

According Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Vũng Tàu Ward Võ Văn Thanh Sang, the race not only encouraged a healthy lifestyle and community spirit but also helped promote the coastal area's tourism potential and local economic development.

On the occasion, the newspaper donated VNĐ100 million (US$3,800) to support 20 disadvantaged children in Vũng Tàu Ward. — VNA/VNS