Realizing the Social Value of Sports for People with Disabilities
Uljin's Challenge
Uljin County in North Gyeongsang Province held the inaugural general meeting of the Uljin County Disabled Sports Association on April 17 in the county office's main conference room, officially launching the association as the first of its kind at the county level in the province.
The establishment of the Uljin Disabled Sports Association marks a practical first step toward guaranteeing the right to participate in sports and a healthy life for people with disabilities. It is expected to serve as a catalyst for the development of sports for people with disabilities in the region.
The Uljin Disabled Sports Association developed a plan to establish the organization in October 2023 and has been carrying out systematic preparations for about a year and a half.
In April 2024, a plan was drawn up to form a preparatory committee for the association. From the second half of the year, four preparatory committee meetings were held, centered on a working committee, to establish a systematic structure. This process culminated in the inaugural general meeting after explaining the purpose of the establishment to the county council in April this year.
More than 50 people attended the inaugural general meeting, including representatives of organizations for people with disabilities, local sports figures, and Uljin County officials, to celebrate the official launch of the association.
Notably, the establishment of the Uljin Disabled Sports Association is particularly meaningful because it is the result of joint efforts by the county administration, support from the county council, and the active participation of organizations and individuals with disabilities.
Until now, most disabled sports associations in North Gyeongsang Province have been operated at the city level, and county-level regions have lacked a practical organizational structure.
By being the first to establish a disabled sports association at the county level, Uljin County has set an example for other counties in the province to follow. This achievement goes beyond being a pioneering administrative result; it also represents a step toward equality in sports for people with disabilities in the region.
Disabled sports in Korea began in the late 1970s and have made remarkable progress since the 1988 Seoul Paralympics. However, regional disparities and the marginalization of county-level areas remain ongoing challenges. In this context, the establishment of the Uljin Disabled Sports Association can be seen as one of the most practical actions to commemorate Disability Day.
Currently, Uljin County is making practical preparations for the full-scale operation of the association, such as organizing dedicated personnel and securing office space. In May, the county plans to apply for official registration of the Uljin branch with the North Gyeongsang Province Disabled Sports Association. In June, an official launch ceremony will be held, and short-term sports voucher courses for people with disabilities will be offered.
In addition, the county is making every effort to build the 'Bandabi Sports Center,' a priority sports facility for people with disabilities. This project, with a total budget of 9 billion won, will create a 1,300-square-meter center by 2027, including a rehabilitation fitness room, an aquatic exercise room, and customized spaces according to sports demand. Full-scale operation is scheduled to begin in 2028.
County Governor Son Byeongbok stated, "Sports activities are not simply exercise, but a right that everyone should enjoy together. The Uljin County Disabled Sports Association is an important starting point for creating an inclusive sports environment. We will also strive to create a discrimination-free environment in various fields beyond sports, to bring vitality to the daily lives of people with disabilities and to build a community in Uljin where everyone can smile together."
Uljin County Office.
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