Kimhae Mayor Hong Taeyong: "We Will Make the National Sports Festival Enjoyable and Safe"

"We will ensure that everyone enjoys a safe and pleasant National Sports Festival."

Hong Taeyong, Mayor of Gimhae, Gyeongnam, made this statement on the afternoon of the 4th after the flame unification and enshrinement ceremony for the 105th National Sports Festival and the 44th National Para Games, held at the Gyeongnam Provincial Government Plaza.

Hong Taeyong, Mayor of Gimhae, Gyeongnam (right), is holding the torch for the 105th National Sports Festival and the 44th National Disabled Sports Festival. Photo by Lee Seryung

Mayor Hong said, "In just a week, one of Gimhae's mega events of the year, the National Sports Festival, will take place," adding, "My heart is pounding with excitement."

He continued, "I hope that everyone will have an enjoyable and happy time during the festival," and emphasized, "We are paying special attention to safety, and I will do my best to ensure that both events conclude without any accidents."

Previously, on the 22nd of last month, Mayor Hong introduced Gimhae Sports Complex, the main stadium for both events, and said, "This National Sports Festival will be a cultural festival, held alongside various cultural events such as exhibitions and performances."

"During the festival, the Gaya Culture Festival, the closing ceremony of the East Asia Cultural City, the first anniversary celebration of Daeseongdong Tombs' UNESCO designation, and a drone show at Gaya Theme Park will be held," he said. "Even after the Gimhae Flower Festival ends, rowing competitions will take place in Daedong-myeon, so I hope everyone will take interest in and fully enjoy the various events happening throughout Gimhae."

He also stressed, "Above all, holding the event safely is our top priority," adding, "We will pay extra attention to traffic and movement during the opening and closing ceremonies as well as throughout the festival to ensure that no accidents occur."

Runners carrying four flames?the Flame of National Defense at Jeungsandang in Hansando, Tongyeong; the Flame of the Universe at Chogye Daegong Park in Hapcheon; the Flame of Harmony at Manisan in Ganghwa; and the Flame of Gaya Culture at Gujibong in Gimhae?are heading toward the torch stand set up at the provincial government square.
Photo by Lee Seryung

The 105th National Sports Festival will be held from October 11 to 17, and the 44th National Para Games will take place from October 25 to 30, centered around Gimhae and throughout Gyeongnam Province.

The opening ceremony of the National Sports Festival will be held at 5 p.m. on the 11th at Gimhae Sports Complex under the theme "From the Universe to the Universe, the Flame of Harmony," and the closing ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. on the 17th.

This year's festival marks the first time in 14 years that it is being held in Gyeongnam, with over 28,000 athletes from high school, university, and general divisions representing 17 cities and provinces nationwide. They will compete in 49 events across 75 venues in 18 cities and counties within the province.