Cluster Model at Lam Dong Sports Festival Faces Challenges Due to Lack of Financial Guidelines
In the event where 124 localities in Lam Dong were divided into 20 clusters, some clusters achieved high medal success. However, the lack of concrete guidelines regarding budget allocation, athlete allowances, and accommodation payments makes conducting the activities difficult.
The cluster model established as part of the 1st Lam Dong Provincial Sports Festival held in 2026 yielded successful results in some clusters, but faces disruptions due to inadequate financial mechanisms and delays in budget transfers.
Performance of Clusters and Competition Strategies
For the festival, 124 wards, towns, and special zones were divided into a total of 20 clusters. Cluster 2, which covers a wide geographic area and consists of 10 communes, participated in 18–20 sports disciplines. Nguyen Tuan Anh, Director of the General Service Center of Duc Trong town and leader of the cluster, stated that municipalities were able to select disciplines in which they were strong and reinforce their squads.
Following 14 competitions held, Cluster 2 gathered a total of 49 medals, including 12 gold, placing 5th province-wide. Meanwhile, Cluster 1, which selected its sports disciplines through a draw, ranks 4th in the provisional standings with 14 gold and a total of 42 medals.
Financial Guidelines and Shortcomings in Budget Allocation
In addition to groups achieving successful coordination, some clusters face difficulties in securing financial resources. Nguyen Duc Duy, representative of Cluster 10, emphasized that delays in funding contributions negatively affected organization efforts.
Officials from the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism identify the absence of clear guidelines on budget transfers, athlete allowances, and accommodation and food expenses in cluster-based organizations as the biggest obstacle. Regulations are expected from competent authorities to resolve the issue.