Park Soyoung from Yeongam Wins Most Valuable Player Award
Competition Flag Handed Over to Gurye-gun, the Next Host City
The Jeonnam Provincial Disabled Sports Competition concluded its three-day fierce battles with the closing ceremony on the 2nd. Photo by Jeonnam Province
Jeollanam-do announced on May 2 that the 33rd Jeollanam-do Disabled Sports Competition concluded its three-day run with the closing ceremony held at Hong Gil-dong Gymnasium in Jangseong-gun.
This year’s event, held under the slogan “Beyond Barriers, Together as One, With Strength!”, saw participation from over 15,000 people from 22 cities and counties across Jeollanam-do, making it the largest competition in its history.
The competition featured fierce rivalry and camaraderie among athletes across 21 official sports, including gateball, sitting volleyball, athletics, and football. The Jeollanam-do Disabled Sports Association and Jangseong-gun made meticulous preparations to ensure the success of the event, such as maintaining stadiums and convenience facilities, expanding accessibility for people with disabilities, and organizing volunteers, thereby minimizing inconvenience for participants.
Notably, for the first time in the history of the Jeonnam Disabled Sports Competition, the opening ceremony was held outdoors at Jangseong Yellow City Stadium, receiving an enthusiastic response. Many local residents participated, cheering for the athletes and helping to raise awareness of sports for people with disabilities.
During the competition, a variety of experience booths were set up, including new sports for people with disabilities and a wheelchair and assistive device repair center. There were also events promoting local specialties, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere.
As this was the first outdoor opening ceremony in Jangseong-gun, the organizers distributed gift packages containing drinks and snacks to athletes and spectators, fostering a warm sense of community and further enhancing the festive spirit of the event.
This year’s championship went to Suncheon, which fielded 237 participants across 20 events. Yeosu placed second, and Gwangyang came in third. The host, Jangseong-gun, achieved an excellent result by finishing 10th and received the Leap Award.
Additionally, this year saw the introduction of new awards compared to last year. Jangheung-gun received the Exemplary Team Award, Muan-gun received the Best Team Award, Goheung-gun received the Challenge Award, Gurye-gun received the Passion Award, and the Jeonnam Boccia Federation was honored with the Fair Play Award.
The Most Valuable Player Award, given to an athlete with outstanding performance, went to Park Soyoung from Yeongam, who competed in powerlifting (intellectual-84kg) and won three gold medals, becoming a triple crown winner.
Furthermore, Jo Kyunghwa (Korea Rural Community Corporation) in billiards and Na Hyuncheol (KEPCO KPS) in athletics (field shot put), both of whom will compete at the 45th National Disabled Sports Festival to be held in Busan this year, won gold medals at this event, raising expectations for their upcoming participation at the national level.
Yoo Hyunho, Director of Tourism and Sports for Jeollanam-do, said, "I hope this competition, which fostered unity among residents through the moving experience of competing together, will remain an unforgettable and precious memory for all the athletes."
The competition flag was handed over to Gurye-gun, the next host city, and the 34th Jeonnam Provincial Disabled Sports Competition is scheduled to be held in Gurye-gun in 2026.
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