Activity
The "Run with People with Disabilities" event, themed “No Distance, No Limits” aims to promote inclusion and support for people with disabilities. Organized by the Institute for Community Development Research (ACDC Institute) in collaboration with the Quảng Trị Association of People with Disabilities, Agent Orange Victims, Disability Support, and Children’s Rights Protection, the event took place at Co Dau Park, Dong Ha City, Quang Tri Province, on June 22, 2025.
The event was organized to enhance community awareness about people with disabilities and the challenges they face, while promoting opportunities, elevating their status, removing barriers, and encouraging their participation in sports and other societal activities.
This year’s activities focused on fostering social inclusion for people with disabilities, empowering them to unleash their potential through engagement in cultural and sports activities. The event welcomed distinguished guests, including Mr. Thai Vinh Lieu, Chairman of the Association for People with Disabilities, Agent Orange Victims, and Vulnerable Groups in Quang Tri Province; Dr. Nguyen Van Tu, representative of the National Action Center for Overcoming the Consequences of Toxic Chemicals and the Environment in Central Vietnam (NACCET); Mr. Nguyen Cong Son, technician at NACCET’s Central Branch; Mr. Thai Huu Lieu, Deputy Director of the Quảng Trị Department of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Director of the Action to the Community Development Institute (ACDC); Ms. Le Thi Anh Thu, representative of the Center for Health and Population Initiatives (CCIHP); Mr. Duong Van Thu and Mr. Nguyen Huy Tap, Vice Chairmen of the Association for People with Disabilities, Agent Orange Victims, and Vulnerable Groups, along with over 120 people with disabilities and other delegates from across the province.
The song “Dòng Máu Lạc Hồng” was performed by the Women with Disabilities Club from Quang Tri during the event
The event kicked off with captivating performances by the Women with Disabilities Clubs from Vinh Linh and Cam Lộ districts, featuring songs such as “Dòng Máu Lạc Hồng” (The Blood of the Lạc Hồng) and “Bài Ca Phụ Nữ Việt Nam” (Song of Vietnamese Women). These performances deeply moved the audience, conveying the relentless hope and determination of people with disabilities to overcome barriers and thrive. In his opening remarks, Mr. Thái Vĩnh Liệu, Chairman of the Association, emphasized, “This event is proof that what non-disabled people can do, people with disabilities can achieve as well.”
Dr. Nguyen Van Tu, representative of the National Action Center for Overcoming the Consequences of Toxic Chemicals and the Environment in Central Vietnam (NACCET)
Dr. Nguyen Van Tu from NACCET shared his enthusiasm: “I attended this event with excitement and great anticipation. With joy and thorough preparation, today promises to be a profoundly meaningful sports exchange event. Through this event, each of us will spread the message about the capabilities and potential of people with disabilities, working together to build a barrier-free, accessible, and equal society for everyone, including people with disabilities.”
The joy and happiness of disabled people on the running track
The running event was designed as a 1.4km loop around the lake, tailored to accommodate the health and abilities of participants. It aimed to provide an exciting and empowering experience, inspiring a strong spirit of resilience and igniting a broader movement for sports and health within the community, especially among people with disabilities.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Director of ACDC, highlighted the event’s significance: “With the spirit of ‘No Distance, No Limits,’ the event saw the participation of over 120 people with disabilities, representing more than 37,000 individuals with disabilities across the province. We believe this is not just a run for health but a run of faith, resilience, and connection—a place where differences are no longer barriers but the beauty of our diverse society. Though the path may be challenging, I firmly believe that if we keep moving forward, we will reach the finish line, and everyone here today deserves a gold medal for their journey.”
After completing the “race” around the lake with sweat and smiles, Ms. Ha Thi Tuyet, a participant with disabilities from Quảng Trị, shared: “Before joining the event, I was very worried about whether I had the strength to participate. But when I arrived, I saw that the organizers had carefully prepared a safe and well-planned route, and I successfully completed my run. I overcame my own limitations.”
Taking a group photo together in the spirit of "No Distance, No Limits"
The event concluded with unforgettable moments filled with joy and pride. It was truly a journey of willpower, resilience, and belief in overcoming personal challenges. On this racecourse, no one was left behind - every step was a triumph over limitations. Every smile, every drop of sweat, and every hand held together stood as a testament to the spirit of “No Distance, No Limits,” contributing to transformative change and raising community awareness about people with disabilities.
