Normal Hosting After 3 Years Since COVID-19 Spread, 4 Days of Intense Competition Starting from the 15th
‘Dream of East Sea Pohang, from Gyeongbuk to the World’ The 60th Gyeongbuk Provincial Sports Festival Opens.
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Gwi-yeol] Gyeongbuk Province held the opening ceremony of the “60th Gyeongbuk Provincial Sports Festival” under the slogan “Dream of East Sea Pohang, from Gyeongbuk to the World” at 6 p.m. on July 15 at Pohang Sports Complex Stadium, and will enter a four-day competition until the 18th.
This provincial sports festival, a venue for communication and harmony among residents, features about 11,000 athletes and officials from 23 cities and counties in the province competing for regional honor. The city division participates in 29 events, and the county division in 15 events, showcasing their honed skills in 33 auxiliary venues including Pohang Sports Complex Stadium.
This event is the first normal hosting in three years after cancellations and dispersed events due to the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. It is expected to mark a new step for Gyeongbuk sports, which had been halted for three years, and serve as a catalyst for revitalizing the local economy.
Before the opening ceremony, a welcoming reception was held at Pohang Indoor Gymnasium, where Daegu Mayor Hong Jun-pyo and Daegu City Council Chairman Lee Man-gyu attended to celebrate the successful hosting of the event.
The opening ceremony was attended by Governor Lee Cheol-woo, key figures from Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, and sports officials who gave enthusiastic support and encouragement to the participating athletes. Pre-ceremony events included cultural performances themed on young Gyeongbuk, promotional videos, and a sports festival character performance to boost excitement before the official event began.
After the splendid pre-ceremony events, the official ceremony proceeded with a countdown performance, the entrance of about 1,200 athletes from each city and county, a welcoming performance, the opening declaration by Superintendent of Education Lim Jong-sik, a welcoming speech by Pohang Mayor Lee Kang-deok, raising of the tournament flag, opening address by Kim Ha-young, chairman of the Gyeongbuk Sports Council, a congratulatory speech by Governor Lee Cheol-woo, reading of the sportsman’s charter, guest congratulatory speeches, athlete and referee oaths, lighting of the flame, and a special performance.
The welcoming performance was opened by trot singer Jeon Yoo-jin, a local native appointed as Pohang’s promotional ambassador. The special performances began with the first themed show “Arirang of Hope,” featuring traditional Korean music singer Seo Do Band and Lee Yoon-ah, followed by the second themed show “Hope Shining Pohang” multimedia show with dance choreography teams Rachika, One Way Crew, and musician Bagaji by Pex Thirteen.
Following this, the post-ceremony events started at 8:15 p.m. with singer Jeon Yoo-jin’s first stage, followed by performances by Ailee, Jessi, Simon Dominic, Oh My Girl, and ending with trot singer Lee Chan-won’s finale performance to celebrate the festival.
The highlight of the provincial sports festival, the torch relay, began on the 14th with the lighting of the flame at Homigot in Pohang and Tohamsan in Gyeongju. The relay follows two routes, touring Pohang’s distinctive tourist spots with participation from citizens of all walks of life.
Relay torchbearers include sports contributors and promising young athletes. After the flame unification by Governor Lee Cheol-woo and Pohang Mayor Lee Kang-deok, the final torchbearer, Rio Olympics bronze medalist Kwak Dong-han (judo, Pohang City Hall), will light the flame.
The night before the opening ceremony at 7 p.m., a torch enshrinement ceremony was held alongside a pre-event titled “Flame of Hope, Restart.” The pre-event featured performances by singers Park Seo-jin, B.O, and Gummy, followed by fireworks.
During the festival, various marine leisure sports and cultural performances will be held. A metaverse experience center, promotional and sales booths for local excellent seafood and agricultural specialties, an exhibition of Pohang’s 10 flavors, and catering events will offer diverse attractions, food, and entertainment at the auxiliary event venues inside Pohang Sports Complex Stadium.
Governor Lee Cheol-woo of Gyeongbuk Province said, “I am very pleased and proud that the 60th Gyeongbuk Provincial Sports Festival is being held normally. I hope this festival will be a safe, hopeful, and harmonious event that unites the strength and capabilities of the residents, becoming a focal point for great harmony and a festival for all residents.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
