Support for Award Winners' Participation in International Competitions
Pro Golfers and Influencers Join In
The 'SK Telecom Adaptive Open 2024,' featuring 28 golfers with developmental disabilities, concluded successfully.
Professional players, influencers, and volunteers participating in the SK Telecom Adapted Open are all taking a commemorative photo together. [Photo by SKT]
The 3rd SK Telecom Adaptive Open, held on the 16th at Gamgok CC in Eumseong-gun, Chungbuk, saw participation from 28 golfers with developmental disabilities, along with 15 professional golfers and influencers.
The individual championship was won by player Kim Sun-young, who scored 81 strokes (9 over par) in stroke play, while runner-up went to player Heo Do-kyung with 85 strokes. In the team event, which determined the team with the lowest combined score, the team of pro Lee Jae-kyung, Jo Won-ki, and Jo Ye-jun took first place.
SKT plans to support the international competition participation of the winner Kim Sun-young and runner-up Heo Do-kyung. If the players compete in the US Adaptive Open or The G4D Open, SKT will provide 10 million KRW (winner) and 5 million KRW (runner-up) to cover participation expenses, helping them pursue greater dreams.
The tournament began with tee shots by pros Lee Seung-min and Lee Bo-mi, both sponsored by SKT. Lee Seung-min was the inaugural champion of the 1st US Adaptive Open and secured consecutive runner-up positions in the 2nd and 3rd tournaments. Lee Bo-mi achieved back-to-back money titles in 2015 and 2016 on the Japan LPGA (JLPGA), with a total of 25 wins across Korea and Japan, including 4 KLPGA and 21 JLPGA victories.
Professional golfers and sports influencers who empathize with raising awareness about developmental disabilities voluntarily participated, enhancing the event. Each formed a team with two competing players to play as a trio, offering golf-related advice and boosting the players' confidence.
There were also musical performances by an ensemble composed of individuals with developmental disabilities and an art exhibition. On the day, the developmental disability art team 'Raw ART' held an exhibition of works by affiliated artists at the clubhouse. Additionally, the ensemble 'Dream with Ensemble,' made up of individuals with developmental disabilities, performed at the opening ceremony and banquet.
This SKT Adaptive Open was promoted as part of SKT's sports ESG management, aiming to improve awareness of developmental disabilities and foster a sports ecosystem free of prejudice. Key matches and events of the SKT Adaptive Open will be released later on SKT’s YouTube channel 'SKLIKE.'
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
