"Olympic Achievements Were Huge, But Facilities Are Lacking"... Lawmaker Kim Daesik Calls for Expansion of Public Sports Facilities

Only 55 Shooting, Archery, and Fencing Facilities Among 35,941 Public Venues Nationwide

Kim Daesik, a member of the People Power Party representing Sasang-gu, Busan, has rolled up his sleeves for a project to expand public sports facilities.

Kim stated on the 13th, "This year's Paris Olympics was a time when the blood, sweat, and tears of Korea's great Taeguk Warriors brought comfort and joy to the people."

He said, "At this Olympics, we achieved an incredible result with 13 gold, 9 silver, and 10 bronze medals, tying the record for the most gold medals ever and ranking 8th overall," adding, "The national team performed like a timely rain in a drought for the people who were exhausted by the scorching heat and complex economic crisis."

Daesik Kim, Member of the National Assembly.

Kim pointed out that although the Paris Olympics moved the entire nation with the songs of guns, swords, and bows, shooting, fencing, and archery are rarely seen in public sports facilities.

According to data from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, as of 2023, out of 35,941 public sports facilities nationwide, there are only 25 shooting ranges, 4 fencing halls, and 26 archery ranges?just 55 facilities in total. Even combined, these three disciplines account for only 0.15% of all public sports facilities.

Kim Daesik argued, "It is not appropriate to limit the role of public sports facilities to simple welfare or hobby activities," and added, "Korea should provide a variety of sports facilities so that everyone can find and enjoy lifelong sports activities happily."

He also pointed out that the dichotomy between elite and recreational sports is one of the factors hindering the construction of diverse public sports facilities, saying, "It stands in stark contrast to advanced sports nations, where people naturally transition from enjoying sports in daily life to participating in elite sports."

Kim Daesik said, "Local public sports facilities are not only spaces that enhance the quality of life and vitality for the people, but also places where the dreams of future Olympic medalists are nurtured, serving both recreational and elite sports," and added, "We will work together to expand public sports facilities both inside and outside schools to move beyond a sports powerhouse and become an advanced sports nation."