HANOI (ANN/VIETNAM NEWS) – The unique primate native to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, the red-shanked douc, has been selected as the official mascot for the 13th ASEAN School Games, set to kick off in Vietnam in May.
This unique primate holds a special significance in the region.
Notably, the Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang, the host city for the games, boasts the world’s largest population of these vibrant red-legged monkeys. Their choice as the mascot highlights the connection between the games and the local wildlife heritage.
The langurs are listed as endangered in the Red Book of Vietnam and declared critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with the main threats being: hunting, habitat loss and pet trade.
Da Nang will be the host city which will welcome about 1,500 athletes and coaches from 10 ASEAN countries. The athletes will compete in six sports of swimming, basketball, badminton, athletics, pencak silat, and vovinam.
This year’s slogan is “Connect and Shine”.
The opening and closing ceremonies will be organised at the Tien Son Sports Complex on May 1 and June 9, respectively.
