Organised by the Association of Vietnamese People in France (UGVF) in coordination with several Vietnamese associations, this year’s event attracted around 300 amateur athletes competing in 14 sports disciplines.

Yet beyond medals and match results, what stood out most was the strong sense of solidarity among overseas Vietnamese far from their homeland.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai praised the enthusiastic participation of multiple generations of overseas Vietnamese.

He noted that community sports activities not only encourage healthy lifestyles but also strengthen people-to-people exchanges and deepen ties between Vietnam and France.

According to organisers, the Vietnamese Olympics in France is more than a sporting event. It also serves as a cultural and social gathering space where members of Vietnamese expatriates can reconnect and preserve their cultural identity.

Sports, they said, have become a “common language” capable of overcoming barriers related to age, regional background and even Vietnamese language proficiency.

“It does not matter whether people speak French or Vietnamese, sports become a shared language that connects generations,” said Hoang Cam Linh, a representative of the organising committee.

Linh added that many participating associations included members ranging from young children to elderly people, all joining together in competitions and exchange activities.

The spirit of connection was especially evident among first-time participants. Nguyen Minh Nguyet, a Vietnamese student studying in France, said the sports games created valuable opportunities for Vietnamese people living, studying and working across France to meet, build friendships and strengthen community ties.

Alongside sports competitions, organisers also arranged family-oriented activities such as climbing games, children’s activities and cultural exchanges.

As a result, the event evolved into a multi-generational community festival rather than simply a sports tournament.

After many years of organisation, the Vietnamese Olympics in France has become one of the most prominent annual community events for the Vietnamese diaspora in the country. Beyond promoting solidarity among overseas Vietnamese, it also showcases an image of a dynamic, integrated and culturally connected Vietnamese community that continues to maintain strong ties with its roots.

Vietnamese in France cherish traditional practices during Tet

Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai, together with staff of the embassy, representatives of Vietnamese agencies in the country and a large number of overseas Vietnamese, visited the Truc Lam Zen Monastery and Khuong Viet Pagoda on February 17, the first day of the Lunar New Year.