Hanoi hosts exchange with trans-Viet marathoner
(VOV) - An exchange between Vietnamese students and athletes and Australian marathoner Patrick Farmer and Vietnamese student in Australia Mai Nguyen Dinh Huy was held in Hanoi on December 13.
At the event, Deputy General Director of the Administration of Sports and Physical Training Pham Van Tuan said Patrick Farmer’s marathon through 30 Vietnamese cities and provinces from Mong Cai (Quang Ninh) to Ca Mau from December 9, 2012 to January 20, 2013 aims to raise funds for the supply of clean water for the poor in the world through Red Cross Society.
The event is one of activities to mark 40 years of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Australia (1973-2013), Tuan noted.
Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Hugh Borrowman said Vietnam and Australia have cooperated effectively over the past 40 years and have become strategic partners in all fields.
Patrick Farmer’s 40-day marathon, 80km each day, will provide a fascinating window into Vietnam, Borrowman added.
Patrick Farmer said the trans-Viet marathon will help him discover Vietnam’s landscape and people.
In his belief, land, atmosphere and water are three elements that create a vital life. So, his marathon will make people in Vietnam and around the world better aware of the need to protect and use water resources ever more effectively.