Gapyeong County to Host Provincial Sports Festival for the First Time
Preliminary Events in 11 Sports Including Weightlifting
Local Anticipation High for First Event in 70 Years
The 71st Gyeonggi-do Sports Festival 2025 Gapyeong, which will be held for the first time in Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Province, will kick off with preliminary events starting on May 1, ahead of the main competition scheduled for May 15.
This event marks the first time in over 70 years that Gapyeong County is hosting such a large-scale sports festival, raising high expectations among both the local community and residents. The preliminary events, taking into account national competition schedules, will be held across 11 sports, including soft tennis and weightlifting, with various matches set to take place throughout the region.
The first sports to begin are soft tennis and weightlifting, which will be held at the Gapyeong Tennis Court and Buk-myeon National Sports Center, respectively, from May 1 to 3. Track and field events will follow, taking place at the Gapyeong Sports Complex from May 9 to 10. In addition, other sports such as table tennis, swimming, archery, bodybuilding, billiards, basketball, and dance sports will sequentially commence their preliminary rounds.
A total of 2,949 athletes will participate in these preliminary events. The host, Gapyeong County, will also field a team of 99 athletes, competing with pride. In preparation for the festival, Gapyeong County has completed facility inspections at all venues and has also finished hospitality training and promotional activities for nearby accommodations and restaurants.
Seo Taewon, Mayor of Gapyeong County, stated, "We expect the atmosphere of the festival to take hold in the region starting with the preliminary events," and added, "We are fully prepared to ensure that all athletes can perform at their best in optimal conditions."
The main competition will be held throughout Gapyeong County from May 15 to 17. The event is expected to draw approximately 14,000 athletes and spectators, with participation from 31 cities and counties in the province, across 27 sports.
The opening ceremony will take place on May 15 at 3:20 p.m. at Jaraseom Jungdo, featuring pre-ceremony events. Highlights include an air show by the Air Force Black Eagles special flight team, a performance by the Gapyeong County branch choir of the Korean Music Association, and a celebratory performance by popular singer Park Jihyun, generating much anticipation.
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