7 Days Before the National Sports Festival, Torch Relay and Enshrinement Ceremony Held ... Wishing for Harmony, Prosperity, and Progress

The torch unification and enshrinement ceremony for the 105th National Sports Festival and the 44th National Para Games, which are just a week away, was held on the afternoon of the 4th at the Gyeongnam Provincial Government Plaza.

The four flames?Patriotic Flame from Jeseungdang in Hansando, Tongyeong; Cosmic Flame from Chogye Grand Park in Hapcheon; Flame of Harmony from Manisan in Ganghwado; and Gaya Culture Flame from Gujibong in Gimhae?were united into one at the torch stand prepared at the provincial government plaza.

Kim Oyong, chairman of the Gyeongnam Sports Council (far left), Choi Hakbeom, chairman of the Gyeongnam Provincial Council, Park Wansu, governor, and Kang Oesook, vice chairman of the Gyeongnam Disabled Sports Council, are combining four flames: the Flame of National Defense at Jeoseungdang in Hansando, Tongyeong; the Flame of the Universe at Chogye Park in Hapcheon; the Flame of Unity at Manisan in Ganghwa; and the Flame of Gaya Culture at Gujibong in Gimhae. Photo by Lee Seryeong

This unified flame, symbolizing the harmony and prosperity of Korea and the leap forward of Gyeongnam, was enshrined at the Gyeongnam Provincial Government and will head to Gimhae Sports Complex, where the opening ceremony of the National Sports Festival will be held at 9:30 a.m. on the 7th.

The unified torch will depart from the provincial government, pass through 105 sections in 18 cities and counties within the province, carried by 644 runners, and finally light the main torch at Gimhae Sports Complex.

Heads of 18 cities and counties in Gyeongnam Province are holding the torch together, wishing for the success of the National Sports Festival and the National Paralympic Games.
Photo by Lee Seryeong

More than 800 people attended the torch unification and enshrinement ceremony, including Governor Park Wansu, Provincial Council Chairman Choi Hakbeom, Gyeongnam Sports Council President Kim Oyoung, Gyeongnam Para Sports Council Vice President Kang Oesuk, Gimhae Mayor Hong Taeyong, heads of 18 cities and counties, and officials from the provincial sports community.

Governor Park stated, "I hope this festival will unite Korea and its people, and that through this unity, Korea will rise again and Gyeongnam will prosper once more. I believe this year's festival will be evaluated as the best ever."