PHNOM PENH — More than 2,000 young athletes from across Cambodia competed in the National Primary School Sports Competition 2026 this month, as Action Education backed the nationwide event with sports uniforms, school supplies and learning support aimed at strengthening children’s health, education and future development.
The National Primary School Sports Competition 2026 brought together 2,083 students under the age of 12, including 881 girls, from 24 provinces across the country.
Held from May 1 to May 10 under the theme “Sports for Children’s Health,” the competition was organized by the Directorate General of Sports under the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, with support from Action Education — formerly known as Aide et Action — and in partnership with the Education Above All Foundation.
Young athletes competed in 12 disciplines, including football, volleyball, basketball, athletics, badminton, taekwondo, table tennis, boules and pétanque, bokator, swimming, fencing and wrestling.
Vorn Samphors, country director of Action Education, said the event gives children an important platform to develop their talents, improve their confidence and build teamwork through sports.
“We are pleased to see the ministry organize this national competition because it allows young students to compete and showcase their abilities,” he said.
Samphors said Action Education’s support reflects the organization’s broader goal of linking sports, education and child development. In addition to supporting the organization of the event, the group provided nearly 2,700 reward packages containing sports uniforms and study materials for participating students.
Winning schools will also receive computers and books to strengthen computer labs and school libraries. Some schools will receive five computers, while others will receive 10, depending on competition results.
“Action Education also provides study materials to students to help connect sports, health and education,” Samphors said.
He said the sports competition delivers several long-term benefits for children and society.
First, it encourages students to engage in physical activity, helping improve their health, discipline and teamwork. Second, it creates opportunities to identify and nurture talented young athletes who could one day represent Cambodia in national and international competitions.
“When we have national and international competitions, we will have skilled athletes to represent us,” he said. “It also promotes our country as a nation that supports sports.”
Samphors added that participation in sports can also improve students’ concentration and academic performance while contributing to Cambodia’s long-term human resource development.
He stressed that schools at all levels, from primary to secondary education, should encourage students to participate in at least one sport during their school years. He also called on parents and communities to play a stronger role in supporting children’s involvement in athletics.
“This year’s theme is ‘Sports for Children’s Health,’ which reflects the importance of sports for children’s well-being,” he said. “Children are our future, and good health is one of the most important gifts parents and teachers can help provide.”
This marks the first time Action Education has supported the National Primary School Sports Competition. Beyond this event, the organization also promotes sports education by providing sports equipment, playgrounds at primary schools and multipurpose buildings for student and athletic activities.
Together with the Education Above All Foundation, Action Education contributed funding for organizational costs as well as 2,700 sports uniforms, 8,100 notebooks, 60 computers, 600 reading books and 306 school bags.
The 60 computers were awarded to winning teams in volleyball, basketball and football competitions as part of efforts to encourage both sports participation and educational development in schools.
In soccer, Kampong Speu won the girls’ category, while Phnom Penh claimed the boys’ title. Kampong Speu also secured the girls’ volleyball championship, while Prey Veng won the boys’ division. Kampot Province dominated basketball, winning both the girls’ and boys’ categories.
Overall, Phnom Penh emerged as the top-performing province with 23 medals, including 12 gold medals. Ratanakiri placed second with nine medals, seven of them gold, while Prey Veng finished third with 17 medals, including six gold medals.
The competition highlighted growing efforts to expand sports opportunities for Cambodian children while reinforcing the connection between physical activity, education and long-term development. For organizers and supporters, the event was not only about winning medals, but also about encouraging healthier lifestyles, stronger learning environments and greater opportunities for children across the country.
Disclaimer: This article was first published on the Cambodianess News website and is reproduced here with permission. Click here to access the original post.
