Phnom Penh, April 2, 2024 – Phnom Penh is hosting the 2024 National Primary School Games, with around 2,700 young athletes from across Cambodia participating. Running from March 30 to April 8, this year's event, themed 'Children are the Nursery for Sports Development,' underscores the importance of nurturing young talent in the realm of sports.
Vath Chamroeun, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports, officially inaugurated the games on March 31. During the ceremony, he highlighted the games' critical role in fostering a love for physical education and sports among children. The initiative not only aims to enhance the sporting skills of the younger generation but also to lay a strong foundation for the future of Cambodian sports on the international stage.
The 2024 National Primary School Games feature an impressive lineup of 12 sports, spanning 65 disciplines. Young athletes will compete in a diverse range of sports, including volleyball, football, basketball, badminton, athletics, WT Taekwondo, ITF Taekwondo, table tennis, boules and petanque, Kun Lbokator (a traditional Cambodian martial art), swimming, and fencing. This wide variety ensures that children of various interests and strengths have the opportunity to showcase their talents and engage in healthy competition.
Huot Sengtry, Director of the Sports Event Management and Organisation Department, provided details on the event's organization and the sports included. The games represent a significant effort by the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports to promote physical fitness and sportsmanship among Cambodia's youth. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the quality of sports education in schools and to identify and develop young talents who could represent Cambodia in international competitions in the future.
As the games proceed, they not only offer a platform for young athletes to shine but also bring together communities to celebrate the spirit of sports and the potential of the next generation. The 2024 National Primary School Games stand as a testament to Cambodia's commitment to sports development and youth empowerment.
