【Project Activities】

Aims to introduce the “Mizuno Hexathlon” to all public elementary schools in Vietnam through negotiations with the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training, instructor training, and pilot implementations at schools. This aims to address issues in Vietnamese physical education, where class hours are limited and there are few opportunities for fundamental movements like “running,” “jumping,” and “throwing.” By providing the joy and pleasure of exercise, the project seeks to solve health issues such as obesity and contribute to health promotion.

【Project Background】

Since 2015, Japanese trainers have been dispatched to Vietnam to promote the Hexathlon program in extracurricular classes at local elementary schools through workshops. While nationwide expansion was the goal, the COVID-19 pandemic forced a reduction in workshop scale. Meanwhile, negotiations with the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training continued. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in October 2023 for its introduction into compulsory education served as a catalyst to re-accelerate local implementation through repeated training sessions for Vietnamese physical education teachers.In 2024, in preparation for full-scale introduction, a training session was held with Vietnamese experts to re-evaluate the program. In addition, approximately 130 school physical education teachers from selected regions (provinces) were invited, along with experts, for classroom lectures and practical training on how to use the equipment and understand the program.

【Project Objective】

To introduce the Hexathlon program to all public elementary schools throughout Vietnam, providing all children with the joy and pleasure of exercise, thereby contributing to the healthy lives of Vietnamese citizens and furthering the friendly relationship between Japan and Vietnam.

【Project Area】

Education through sport

【Methods】

Holding seminars/forums

【Outcomes】

Following the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding with the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training for the introduction, the jurisdiction for promoting this program has been transferred to the Primary Education Bureau. This accelerates the promotion and formal introduction of the program as a part of physical education classes in public elementary schools across all 63 provinces.

【Voices from Participants and Partners】

– “The goal of introducing training using Mizuno equipment has been achieved. Mizuno’s equipment is made of soft materials and is very safe (Aero Rocket and Aero Disc). Furthermore, it can be used for multiple purposes, making it very useful for physical education classes.”

– “Based on the experience gained in the morning’s illustration lesson, I will continue to support the students while being mindful of their feelings. By creating an environment where students can actively participate, we also achieved success in terms of instructional teaching.”

【Challenges and Lessons Learned】

– Establishment of scientific evidence backed by large-scale, highly credible demonstration experiments for the introduction of the Hexathlon program into local compulsory education.

– Conception of training methods that can quickly and effectively enhance the understanding of Hexathlon among physical education teachers throughout Vietnam, both online and offline.

【URL】

https://corp.mizuno.com/jp/articles/0001

https://sports-service.mizuno.jp/program/hexathlon/