The 1st Gyeonggi Governor's Cup 'National Companion Dog Sports Competition' Closes

205 Teams Participated in 464 Matches... Spreading the Joy of Running with Pets
Contributing to the Popularization of Dog Sports Enjoyed by All through Scoreboard Commentator Broadcasts
24 Teams Joined the Newly Established Abandoned Dog Adoption Division... 'Chiri' Awarded Best Prize

Gyeonggi Province announced on the 26th that the 1st Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup ‘National Companion Dog Sports Competition,’ held over two days on the 23rd and 24th at the Gyeonggi Human Resources Development Institute in Suwon, concluded with a total of 205 teams participating.

Participants are taking a commemorative photo at the closing ceremony of the 1st Gyeonggi Province Governor's Cup 'National Companion Dog Sports Competition,' held over two days on the 23rd and 24th at the Gyeonggi Human Resources Development Institute in Suwon. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

This competition was the longest-running and featured the most matches among companion dog sports events held in Korea, with a newly established Rescue Animal Adoption Division introduced for the first time. To popularize companion dog sports, anyone could participate regardless of their affiliated organization, lowering the barrier so that beginners to experts could enjoy the competition through match commentary and broadcasting.

Top prize winners in 10 main categories, including four Flyball divisions and one Agility division, were awarded the Gyeonggi Governor’s Certificate along with prizes. Additionally, 104 other winners received competition certificates, badges, trophies, and prizes.

The Gyeonggi Governor’s Award winners in the 10 main categories were △ Jung Young-rok and companion dog Chiri in the Rescue Animal Adoption Division △ Lee Ji-eun and companion dog Chino in the Jumping Division △ Lee Seul-gi and companion dog Cookie in the Agility Division △ Lee Kyung-hoon and companion dog Ria in the Beginner 3 Division △ Kwon Min-seo and companion dog Willy in the Novice 1 Division △ Byun Mi-rye and companion dog Soom in the Novice 2 Division △ Kim Chae-yoon and companion dog Marong, Kim Tae-soo and companion dog Taepung in the Flyball Single Division △ Choi Ji-min and companion dog Cheonjin, Na Hee-yeon and companion dog Rodai in the Flyball Pair Division.

In the newly established Rescue Animal Adoption Division, with a total of 24 teams participating, one awardee said, “I adopted Heukseol from Banryeomaru a year ago. Since he is very active, I used dog sports as exercise. Having the Rescue Animal Adoption Division gave me courage, and I am even happier to have won first place in the medium-large weight class.” They added, “I hope this competition encourages more families with rescued dogs to join together.”

A winner in the advanced Agility division shared, “I have participated in many dog sports competitions, but this event was held with advanced participants from across the country, limiting the events and applying international regulations, which makes the certificate even more valuable and gives me pride.”

Notably, in this competition, three commentators and hosts broadcasted the judging criteria and match details on a large electronic display for every match, helping even those new to companion dog sports understand and enjoy the matches. During breaks between matches, quiz games were held, allowing everyone to participate.

Afternoon Secretary-General Oh Bu-jisa said, “We are pleased that Gyeonggi Province has become the first local government to hold a large-scale companion dog sports competition. Thanks to the enthusiastic response from companion dog owners nationwide, the number of matches increased, enabling the successful hosting of the event. We ask for continued interest in Banryeomaru, the companion animal complex cultural space created by Gyeonggi Province, and we will continue to hold companion dog sports competitions to expand the culture of companion sports and strive to realize a happy Gyeonggi Province with companion animals.”