Over 15,000 Participants from 22 Cities and Counties... Largest Event Ever
First Outdoor Opening Ceremony in the History of the Jeonnam Disabled Sports Festival
Governor Kim: "We Will Actively Support the Expansion of Bandabi Sports Centers"
The 33rd Jeollanam-do Disabled Sports Festival was held on the afternoon of the 30th at Jangseong Yellow City Stadium, where Governor Kim Youngrok of Jeonnam delivered the opening address. Photo by Jeonnam Province
The 33rd Jeollanam-do Disabled Sports Festival kicked off its three-day journey on the afternoon of the 30th with a spectacular opening ceremony at Jangseong Yellow City Stadium.
This year’s Jeonnam Disabled Sports Festival, running until May 2, is being held under the slogan "Beyond Barriers, Together as One, With Strength!" With more than 15,000 participants from 22 cities and counties and 21 sports organizations, it is the largest event of its kind to date.
Jangseong County, which is hosting the Jeonnam Disabled Sports Festival for the first time, established an organizing committee to ensure the success of the event and thoroughly prepared measures such as volunteer management and safety protocols. Throughout the festival, fierce competition will unfold across 21 different sports.
Notably, for the first time in the history of the Jeonnam Disabled Sports Festival, the opening ceremony was held outdoors this year. The ceremony at Jangseong Yellow City Stadium, themed "Winds of Harmony," began with a performance by the Jangseong Gugak Association and a musical performance by the Sangmu Military Band.
The 33rd Jeonnam Disabled Sports Competition kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony on the 30th at Jangseong Yellow City Stadium and entered into a fierce competition until May 2. Provided by Jeonnam Province
The official program, under the theme "A New Era, A New Leap," included the entrance of athlete delegations from 22 cities and counties, the declaration of the opening, the raising of the festival flag, opening remarks, congratulatory speeches, the oath by athlete and referee representatives, and the lighting of the torch. The following celebratory performances, including stages by popular singers such as Park Seojin and Kwak Younggwang, as well as a variety of other acts, offered all attendees a memorable experience.
Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, said, "It is meaningful to hold the opening ceremony outdoors for the first time." He added, "Jeonnam Province will actively support the expansion of Bandabi Sports Centers, which are used by both disabled and non-disabled people, so that athletes can train in better environments. We will also provide active support for employment at companies such as KEPCO, POSCO, and Coupang to ensure stable livelihoods for disabled athletes."
Park Junghyun, Executive Vice President of the Jeonnam Disabled Sports Association, expressed his gratitude, saying, "I deeply thank everyone who worked together to ensure the successful hosting of the 33rd Jeonnam Disabled Sports Festival in Jangseong County." He emphasized, "We will continue to do our best for the development of disabled sports in Jeonnam and to foster a sports culture that includes everyone."
The closing ceremony will take place at 1:00 p.m. on May 2 at Hong Gil-dong Gymnasium. Awards will be presented for overall excellence, best athlete delegation, exemplary athlete delegation, and achievement, and the festival flag will be handed over to Gurye County, the next host of the event.
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