Haenam-gun, Rebounding as a Sports Mecca... Hosting Nationwide Competitions

Active Attraction of Competitions Based on Haenam Sports Marketing

[Haenam＝Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Hyun] Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do, has fired a signal flare to revive the sports industry, which has been stagnant due to COVID-19.

According to the county on the 7th, following the successful completion of the Spring National Middle and High School Boys and Girls Basketball Tournament on the 17th of last month, this month it will consecutively host national competitions such as the 24th National Business Fencing Federation President's Cup Championship, the 12th Jeollanam-do Governor's Cup National Boccia Championship, the 58th Korea Middle and High School Soft Tennis Federation President's Cup, and the 2022 Korea Junior National Dream Player Selection Competition.

In addition, throughout April, three national competitions will be held, including the 51st National Youth Sports Festival Jeonnam 2nd Selection, the 2022 Jeollanam-do Taekwondo Championships by category, and the 54th Association President's One Mind Volleyball Tournament, as well as provincial and county-level competitions.

Haenam plans to hold 18 national-level competitions, 17 provincial-level competitions, and 12 regional (county-level) competitions this year. Including events by various sports organizations, a total of 65 large and small sports competitions are expected to be held in 2022.

Based on over two years of COVID-19 safety management experience, the county intends to fully launch regional economic revitalization through sports marketing in 2022.

In February, Haenam attracted about 30,000 participants for winter training camps, creating a new successful case of sports marketing as a safe winter training camp free from COVID-19.

Especially for national-level sports competitions, which were held without spectators until last year, the change in COVID-19 quarantine guidelines now allows limited spectators, so an increase in visitors such as athletes' parents is expected due to the hosting of sports competitions.

According to the national competition schedule, local accommodations and restaurants have already completed reservations through June, raising expectations for regional economic revitalization through full-scale sports marketing.

County Governor Myeong Hyun-gwan said, "Although we have faced difficulties for a long time due to COVID-19, we have accumulated sufficient know-how to hold safe competitions under thorough quarantine," adding, "For national-level competitions, promotional activities for local agricultural and marine products are conducted alongside broadcasting during the event period, so considering the additional effects, the economic impact on the region is expected to be very significant," expressing his intention to continue promoting sports competitions.

Haenam=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Hyun kh0424@asiae.co.kr