'Disabled Sports Festival' Held... Busan Disabled Athletes and Club Members Gather Together

Opening Ceremony at Gangseo Indoor Gymnasium at 10:20 AM on the 15th

21 Events to Be Held at Spowon and Other Venues from the 15th to 19th

Busan Metropolitan City announced that the 26th Busan Mayor's Sports Festival for the Disabled will be held from the 15th to the 19th for five days at eight venues, including Spoone and Sajik Lawn Bowls Stadium.

Poster for the 26th Busan Metropolitan City Mayor's Disabled Sports Festival.

This year's event will see the participation of approximately 4,500 people, including about 700 athletes representing each district, as well as 3,800 officials, family members, and volunteers. Disabled athletes and club members will showcase the skills they have honed over time.

This festival, hosted by the city and jointly organized by the Busan Disabled Sports Association and the Busan Federation of Disabled Local Organizations, is held annually to expand opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sports, promote physical and mental rehabilitation and unity, and raise public awareness of sports for the disabled.

This year, competitions will be held in a total of 21 events, including seven official sports such as gateball, billiards, and bowling, and 14 experiential sports such as boccia, shoe kicking, and wheelchair racing.

The opening ceremony will take place at 10:20 a.m. on the 15th at Gangseo Indoor Gymnasium, attended by Mayor Park Hyungjoon, Song Hyunjun, Vice Chairperson of the City Council's Administrative and Cultural Committee, Superintendent Ha Yoonsoo, and others. The ceremony will include the declaration of opening, congratulatory speeches, awards for distinguished contributors, and the athletes' oath.

Additionally, the mayor's commendation will be awarded to those who have contributed to the development of sports for the disabled.

Mayor Park Hyungjoon stated, "I hope this festival, held to promote sports for the disabled, will become a celebration of harmony where participants with and without disabilities, staff, and volunteers come together. The city is making multifaceted efforts to create 'Busan, a sports paradise' that citizens can truly experience. In particular, I hope this event will further expand participation in sports for the disabled, and I ask for the continued interest and support of our citizens in sports for the disabled."