On August 12th, at Yok Don National Park, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism in coordination with the Vietnam Cycling-Motorbike Association, the Critical Endangered Wild Animal Protection Project, Yok Don National Park, and the Young Entrepreneurs Association of the province organized the National Off-Road Cycling Championship to celebrate World Elephant Day on August 12th.

Mr. Bradley Bessire, Deputy Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Vietnam, speaking at the event.

This event is part of the Critical Endangered Wild Animal Protection Project sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) via the Project Management Board of Forestry Projects, implemented by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and TRAFFIC.

Competitors ready to race.

The ceremony was attended by delegates: Mr. Bradley Bessire, Deputy Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Vietnam; Ms. Mi Seo Owen, Director of the Wild Animal Protection Project Contractor Office (WWF); Ha Cong Tuan, former Deputy Minister of MARD; and representatives of relevant departments.

Organizers awarding trophies and medals to the winners.

The championship attracted 150 cyclists from provinces and cities nationwide to compete in categories including professional male above 41 years old (14 km); professional male from 14 to 40 years old (17.5 km); recreational (7 km); and professional female (7 km).

Competitors posing for photos and spreading the meaningful message of the program.

At the end of the race, in the category of professional males above 41 years old, cyclist Dang Phuoc Hoa claimed the first prize. Cyclist Phan Dinh Tay secured first place in the professional male category from 14 to 40 years old. Truong Hoa Long won first place in the recreational category, and cyclist Nguyen Thi Thanh Tuyen was awarded first place in the professional female category (7 km).

Speaking at the cycling championship, Mr. Bradley Bessire, Deputy Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Vietnam, shared: "I am delighted to attend the 2023 National Off-Road Cycling Championship and have the opportunity to explore and learn more about the beautiful country with rich national identity like Vietnam. Through this off-road cycling championship, I hope to convey the best messages not only to the participating athletes but also to all Vietnamese citizens and people around the world to join hands in protecting endangered wildlife and to oppose products from wildlife and condemn global actions that involve using, hunting, and consuming products from wildlife."

Mr. Thai Hong Ha, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dak Lak Province, emphasized that this significant sporting event is being organized for the first time to promote a healthy lifestyle, enhance physical training, and promote environmental friendliness. Moreover, the championship sends a message about elephant protection, saying no to all products from ivory, promoting love and respect for the natural environment of elephants. This new event is expected to meet the expectations of sports enthusiasts in general and cycling enthusiasts in particular.

Furthermore, participants had the opportunity to exchange experiences, visit tourist attractions, explore and conquer new routes. This event also aims to encourage a healthy lifestyle, strengthen physical training, and boost sustainable practices and environmental friendliness. Particularly, the championship delivers a message about elephant protection, opposing all products from ivory, as well as the purchase, sale, and consumption of illegal wildlife products domestically and internationally, contributing to promoting a green lifestyle and sustainable, environmentally friendly practices.