A Grand Opening at Jaraseom in Gapyeong County
Three Days of Intense Competition Begin
Over 5,000 Participants from 31 Cities and Counties in Gyeonggi-do
The 15th Gyeonggi-do Disabled Sports Festival kicked off its three-day journey with a spectacular opening ceremony on the afternoon of the 24th at the special stage on Jaraseom Jungdo in Gapyeong County.
The 15th Gyeonggi-do Disabled Sports Festival held a spectacular opening ceremony on the 24th at the special stage on Jaraseom Jungdo in Gapyeong County. Photo by Gapyeong County
This event marks the first large-scale sports festival hosted by Gapyeong County in about 70 years and opened amid significant interest not only from within the province but also from the entire local community.
Under the slogan "Healing the Gapyeong, Change the Gyeonggi," approximately 5,000 athletes and officials from 31 cities and counties in Gyeonggi-do are participating in the festival, competing in 17 events including gateball, boccia, basketball, and dancesport.
The opening ceremony captivated the audience with a variety of programs, including a pre-ceremony performance, a torch parade, a traditional farmers' music performance, an air show by the Air Force's special flight team Black Eagles, a helicopter smoke show, and a sign language performance. In particular, the Black Eagles' aerobatic flight drew great cheers as it painted the sky.
The official proceedings began at 3 p.m. with the entrance of the city and county athlete delegations, followed by the national ceremony, declaration of the opening, hoisting of the festival flag, welcoming and opening addresses, congratulatory speeches, athletes' and referees' oaths, and the lighting of the torch. The torch was ignited at the cauldron in the main stadium, officially signaling the start of the festival.
The opening ceremony was attended by Seo Taewon, Mayor of Gapyeong County; Kim Sungjung, Gyeonggi-do Vice Governor for Administrative Affairs; Kim Yongtae, National Assembly Member; Kim Jinkyung, Chair of the Gyeonggi-do Council; Kim Kyungsoo, Chair of the Gapyeong County Council; as well as heads of various institutions and organizations, citizens, and county residents, who all graced the event with their presence.
After the ceremony, popular singers Younggist, Park Seojin, and Koyote heated up the atmosphere with celebratory performances. In addition, a generous prize drawing event, sponsored by more than 10 organizations including NH Nonghyup Bank Gapyeong Branch, brought extra joy to the participants.
For this festival, Gapyeong County thoroughly prepared by enhancing facilities for people with disabilities, operating shuttle buses between towns, and conducting safety inspections to ensure the safety and convenience of both participants and spectators.
Seo Taewon, Mayor of Gapyeong County, stated, "I hope this festival becomes a stage of inspiration and challenge for all provincial and county residents," and added, "We will spare no effort to provide every support necessary for the athletes to perform at their best."
Meanwhile, the schedule and results of the festival can be checked in real time on the official website, and all events are open to the public free of charge.
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