Opening the International Math Olympiad: Full of colors

In the afternoon of 24/7, the opening ceremony of the 48th colorful and attractive International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO - International Mathematical Olympiad) took place at the National Convention Center. There were 526 students and 182 delegates of International Mathematical Olympiad delegations from 94 countries and territories. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung attended and announced the opening.

Colorful opening ceremony

When the official delegation, led by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, together with Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Thien Nhan, Deputy Minister of Education and Training Tran Van Nhung and Chairman of the City People's Committee. Hanoi Nguyen Quoc Trieu walked into the hall, all the contestants stood up in unison and clapped their hands repeatedly.

In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung affirmed: "The first time IMO held in Vietnam is a great honor for the country, while expressing the trust of the international math community with Vietnam ' .

"The organization of the International Mathematical Olympiad exam in Vietnam will promote the learning movement, especially the study of Mathematics among young people in Vietnam. At the same time, this is also an opportunity to discover and foster talents for the background. Vietnamese mathematics as well as the world ', Deputy Minister Tran Van Nhung, Head of IMO 2007 organization said.

Opening ceremony of the 48th International Math Olympiad Competition. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung attended and delivered the opening speech.(Photo: Bich Ngoc - VNA)

Delegates' speeches emphasized the importance of Mathematics for the development of society, affirming that this is the "science of all science", the foundation of other sciences.

Prof. Joshep Pelikan, Chairman of the International Mathematical Olympiad Advisory Council shared: "In the coming days, the contestants will join each other in talent competitions and share their learning experiences in Mathematics. I firmly believe that, here. will be an unforgettable memory for you ".

IMO is not only a competitive competition, but also an opportunity for young people to have the opportunity to interact with their friends in five years, and learn new cultures.

Under the seats of the team, the faces of international students are eager. Many people bring cameras and camcorders, take advantage of before the opening time to take pictures as if to save memories.

Especially impressed with the contestants is the traditional Vietnamese performance. The folk songs of Bac Ninh's folk songs, the sound of the monochord, the flute, the hilarious folk songs . seem to have a special attraction for young people from all over the world.

Not only did I watch very carefully, many of you also took the camera to record the unique artistic repertoire for the first time. When on stage there was a concert of national instruments, a " reporter " came to ask for a quick interview with a contestant and was rejected on the grounds of "watching performances".

Vietnamese HS delegation (Photo: VNN)

The host country is thoughtful

This year, Vietnam was first hosted by IMO. To prepare for the exam, a delegation went to attend the 2006 IMO exam in Slovenia last year, to learn about the organization.

Making and marking exams is the most important for an IMO term. According to the IMO Charter, before the exam takes place, the participating countries send their questions to BTC, the host country is not entitled to this.

It is the responsibility of the BTC to select good, non-overlapping (or nearly identical) tests with previous exams around the world. After that, the Council of Directors will develop IMO exam on the basis of this topic.

This year, there are 150 exam questions submitted from 34 countries. The host country of Viet Nam has invited 2 Hungarian and Russian experts, to monitor the annual International Math exams to support in the selection (avoid coinciding with the regional forms and exams of the years). recently, or national Math exams of the year).

Exams are translated into different languages. Candidates make lessons in their native language. When judging, the leaders and deputy heads of each country often work to protect the work of the candidates before the examination board.

The examination board consists of 50 Vietnamese math experts from the Institute of Mathematics, the University of Natural Sciences, Hanoi Pedagogical University and nearly 30 Vietnamese mathematicians working at universities and research institutes. rescue foreign reputation. In particular, many names have participated and won the previous IMO award, such as Le Ba Khanh Trinh, Le Tu Quoc Thang, Dam Thanh Son, Ha Huy Tai, Vu Ha Van .

Mexican Union (Photo: VNN)

The exam committee members know many languages ​​popular in the world such as England, France, Germany, Spain, China . However, there is still a shortage of people who know some languages ​​such as Arab, Korean, Japan . so you will have to invite an interpreter. 80 experts will have to score 3,600 tests in two days.

IMO 2007 BTC has coordinated with the Consular Department (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), A10 (Ministry of Public Security), Airports, Airport Border Security, Customs . to carry out procedures to help members The delegation asked for a visa to enter and exit Vietnam and set up a plan to welcome and see off the airport troupes.

IMO 2007 Organizing Committee also cooperated with Ministry of Public Security and Hanoi People's Committee, Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee to develop a plan to ensure security and social order for IMO 2007 activities, ensuring safety and security. Food production, traffic safety during the organization of IMO 2007 activities.

BTC also recruited 500 volunteers who are fluent in English and French languages ​​. to support good student teams and accompanying observers .

Tomorrow (July 25), the contestants will enter a two-day competition at My Dinh National Convention Center. The next three days (27, 28, 29 July), the contestants will participate in sightseeing and exchange activities. Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh), Dam Long eco-tourism area (Son Tay) and the relics around Hanoi are attractions in the schedule.

On July 30, the closing and award ceremony will take place. According to a BTC member, the test results will be available soonest on the night of July 29.

IMO - Large playground for international students

The Korean team returned after more than 10 years of absence. (Photo: ND)

IMO is an international Math exam for high school students, held annually. The first IMO exam was held in Romania in 1959, with 7 participating countries. Increasingly, the scale of the competition is expanding, and currently attracts over 90 countries to participate regularly.

Each delegation attended the IMO including up to 6 students and 1 team leader, 1 deputy delegation. Candidates have 2 days of competition with 6 Math problems. Every day, 3 Math problems, exam in 4:30. According to IMO experience, lessons # 3 and lesson 6 are often difficult ones, in order to find the best people.

Nigeria team in impressive outfit. (Photo: ND)

The scale of all 6 problems is the same (7 points). The maximum total score is 42. According to IMO regulations, Top 1/12 candidates with the highest total score will be awarded the Gold Medal, 2/12 candidates with the next score will be awarded Silver Medals, 3 / 12 candidates were then awarded the Bronze Medal. That is, half of the contestants will be awarded medals. Half of the remaining contestants, if anyone gets a score of 7 in any question, will receive an honorary certificate.

Participating since 1974, Vietnam is now one of the countries with very high achievements in IMO periods. Most Vietnamese students who take the exam get a medal, which is located in the upper half of the international students. Many students achieved HCV and so far 8 students have achieved an absolute score of 42/42. Overall ranking of the whole group, Vietnam is often in the Top 10.

Countries with a high prize tradition are China, America, Russia, Romania, Hungary .

Hoang Le - Lan Huong