Myanmar people mark 65th Independence Day

Published on Sunday, 06 January 2013 01:38

Myanmar people marked the 65th anniversary of the country’s independence on January 4, holding festivities on streets throughout the country.

Government departments, schools and companies were closed, but the city of Yangon was bustling with people celebrating the day.

In every quarter of the city, ward officials organised donation ceremonies and sports competitions such as football, volleyball and running races, where the locals joyfully participated.

Competitions were also held for traditional outdoor games such as playing cane ball, greasy pole climbing, leap-frogging, threading needles, blind beating the buckets, eating races and carrying potatoes with spoon in the mouth.

“We will award prizes to winners of the competitions, but the amount may be small because we organised it on a small scale and it was aimed at fun. We celebrate Independence Day in this way every year,” Hla Myint, a local from Tharkayta township, Yangon, said.

Sports competitions for disabled people were also organised by a social foundation called ‘Shweminthar’ at a sports centre in South Dagon township. This was the second time such competitions were held.

“This is the first time I have ever taken part in a wheelchair racing competition. I was so excited when I learnt I had won the first prize. I really appreciate the holding of such competitions for disabled people,” Su Su Htwe, a participant, said, bursting with joy.

Myanmar gained independence from the British on January 4, 1948.