"Great Inspiration to the Nation" Kim Dong-yeon Welcomes Paris Olympic Athletes Ceremony

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon is taking a commemorative photo with athletes from Gyeonggi Province who participated in the Paris Olympics at Dodamso.

On the 20th, Gyeonggi Province held a welcoming event at Dodamso (the former Gyeonggi Province Governor's residence) for the athletes who represented South Korea and Gyeonggi Province at the '33rd Paris Olympics'.

Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, said, "Regardless of ideology or color, the only thing that unites and cheers all citizens with one voice is sports," and emphasized, "I hope the unified and cohesive power of our people, as shown at the Paris Olympics, will be demonstrated again so that South Korea can excel in all fields including politics, economy, diplomacy, education, and society."

He also expressed gratitude and welcome, saying, "Our athletes achieved really good results, and even if they did not win medals, the bright appearance of enjoying the games gave great strength to all citizens."

At the welcoming ceremony, more than 30 people including medalists such as Lee Woo-seok (men's archery team gold medalist) and Park Tae-jun (men's taekwondo 58kg gold medalist), as well as other athletes and coaches, attended.

Gyeonggi Province will provide a total of about 120 million KRW in prize money to athletes and coaches who won medals at this Olympics according to regulations: 10 million KRW for gold medals, 7 million KRW for silver medals, and 5 million KRW for bronze medals.

At the event, the medalists handed over signed team uniforms to Governor Kim Dong-yeon and shared their experiences during the competition and difficulties faced during training.

Earlier in April, Gyeonggi Province made efforts to lead domestic sports by securing the hosting rights for the '108th National Sports Festival in 2027'.

Additionally, through the 'Athlete Opportunity Income' program, the province supports athletes in less popular sports or young athletes to continue their sports careers and pursue dreams such as participating in the Olympics.

The Athlete Opportunity Income is provided twice a year, totaling 1.5 million KRW annually, to athletes aged 19 or older who are registered residents in cities and counties within the province and whose individual recognized income is below 120% of the median income standard for 2024 (monthly 2,674,134 KRW). Starting this year with Gwangmyeong City, Gyeonggi Province will distribute the Athlete Opportunity Income in 17 cities and counties.