Vath Chamroeun, Secretary-General of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), expressed profound surprise and delight following the overwhelming success of the inaugural Baby Olympic Games. The event garnered significant support from parents who enthusiastically brought their young children to participate in the competitions. This unique sports gathering not only fostered an atmosphere of joy and smiles but also showcased the immense love and encouragement parents provided as they cheered on their children.
The first-ever Baby Olympic Games successfully concluded on the evening of February 1, 2026, marking a memorable occasion for all involved. A total of 330 young children were officially registered to compete in various age-appropriate challenges. Beyond the registered participants, numerous other guardians also brought their children to observe the lively atmosphere and even try out some of the activities. Children, ranging in age from one to seven years old, engaged in playful sporting activities, with many achieving success thanks to the unwavering support and guidance from their parents. The scene was a mix of emotions – some children laughing and celebrating, others shedding a few tears, and many diligently following their parents’ instructions, working together to overcome the challenges. Among the eight different sports categories, the crawling and racing events proved to be the most popular, attracting the youngest participants, typically aged one to two years. Their energetic performances brought immense happiness and countless smiles to their parents.
According to Mr. Vath Chamroeun, the combined attendance, including both registered and non-registered families, exceeded one thousand people at the inaugural Baby Olympic Games. This remarkable turnout significantly surpassed the NOCC Secretary-General’s initial expectations, leading to his profound surprise. He viewed this massive participation as a clear demonstration of strong endorsement and commitment from parents and guardians towards youth sports development.
Reflecting on the event’s significance, Mr. Vath Chamroeun emphasized the importance of early childhood development, stating, “Young children are like clean white sheets of paper; thus, we must strive to educate them well for the future, especially to contribute to the nation later on. Human resources begin with our focus on childhood. Therefore, there is a strong will to create more opportunities for them to participate in future events.” He added, “It was a pleasant surprise; we observed that the participation was truly special, and the attendees showed such good spirits, which encourages us to continue organizing more events.” The NOCC Secretary-General further highlighted that the Baby Olympic Games serves as a crucial platform for young children to showcase their sporting abilities and significantly contributes to strengthening children’s well-being through engaging physical activities. The event also served to enhance the understanding and awareness of sports among participating parents.
