Gapyeong-gun Opens 'Jojongbandabi Sports Center' Prioritizing Disabled Persons

A Special Gift for Residents of Sangmyeon and Jojong-myeon
Priority Sports Facility for People with Disabilities

Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province (Governor Seo Tae-won) announced on the 26th that the Bandabi Sports Center in Jojong-myeon officially opened on the 25th. This is the second opening following last week's opening in Seorak-myeon.

Gapyeong-gun held the opening ceremony of the Bandabi Sports Center in Jojong-myeon on the 25th. Provided by Gapyeong-gun

The Bandabi Sports Center is an integrated sports facility designed for use by both people with disabilities and those without. It was promoted based on the spirit of the Pyeongchang Paralympics, which aims for coexistence, mutual respect, and a society free of prejudice between people with and without disabilities.

The opening ceremony held on the 25th was attended by key figures including Governor Seo Tae-won, Kim Kyung-su, Chairman of the Gapyeong County Council, National Assembly member Kim Yong-tae, and local residents.

Governor Seo Tae-won said, “I hope the Bandabi Sports Center will contribute to making this a better place to live as a central space for integration where people with and without disabilities coexist.” Kim Kyung-su, Chairman of the County Council, stated, “We expect the cultural and sports welfare conditions for people with disabilities in Jojong-myeon to improve significantly.” National Assembly member Kim Yong-tae emphasized, “The political sector will also work hard to improve mobility and treatment for people with disabilities.”

The event featured performances by the Gapyeong County Boys and Girls Choir and sign language performances by the sign language interpretation center ‘Boim Sori.’ Attendees enjoyed the diverse performances together to celebrate the opening.

The Jojong Bandabi Sports Center was constructed as a two-story building with a total floor area of 2,188㎡. The total project cost was 9 billion KRW, with 2.5 billion KRW from national funds and 6.5 billion KRW from county funds. The first floor houses a multipurpose gymnasium, and the second floor includes a virtual reality experience room, enabling the operation of various programs. Accordingly, it is expected to greatly contribute to leisure activities and health promotion for both people with and without disabilities.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has been promoting the establishment of Bandabi sports facilities through nationwide local government competitions. A total of 20 centers have opened by 2024, and 150 centers are planned to be established by 2027. In Gyeonggi Province, Gapyeong-gun became the second and third to host Bandabi Sports Centers following Dongducheon in 2023.