Kolon Sports Sponsors 'Gomiyoung Cup National Youth Sports Climbing Competition'

[Asia Economy Reporter Seungjin Lee] Kolon Industries FnC Division (hereinafter Kolon FnC)'s outdoor brand Kolon Sports sponsored the '12th Gomiyeong Cup National Youth Sports Climbing Competition' held at the sports climbing stadium in Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk.

The 'Gomiyeong Cup National Youth Sports Climbing Competition' is a cradle for discovering promising youth sports climbers, divided into six age groups: Youth (A~E) for elementary to high school students and Junior (ages 18-19). A total of 204 athletes compete in three categories: difficulty, speed, and bouldering. It is the largest youth competition in Korea, and top-ranking athletes are given the opportunity to represent the national youth team.

Kolon Sports is the main sponsor of this competition, supporting part of the event costs as well as scholarships for the winners. They also provide all event-related items such as athlete uniforms, referee and staff uniforms. A distinctive feature is the design point applying the Korean character 'Sosot' symbolizing Kolon Sports' evergreen tree.

Kolon Sports previously sponsored the late athlete Gomiyeong's high-altitude mountaineering from 2004 to 2009. The late Gomiyeong distinguished herself in the then-undeveloped Korean sports climbing (artificial rock climbing) scene, making both Korea and her name known on the world stage. Until 2003, she was uniquely active in domestic sports climbing, and from 2005, she shifted her activities to high-altitude mountaineering, summiting 11 Himalayan peaks over 8,000 meters within a short span of three years. This competition was established in 2010 to honor her challenging spirit that stood out in all mountain activities including sports climbing and high-altitude mountaineering. Kolon Sports has been sponsoring the event for 12 years due to their connection with the late athlete.