Park Soyoung Wins 'Best Athlete Award' with Three Golds in Weightlifting
First-Ever Outdoor Opening Ceremony Draws Attention at Jeonnam Sports Festival
The 33rd Jeonnam Disabled Sports Festival, held in Jangseong County, Jeonnam, concluded its three-day schedule with a closing ceremony on May 2.
According to Jangseong County on May 6, this year’s festival featured 2,810 athletes competing in 21 sports, with more than 10,000 spectators in attendance. The event became a venue for unity, thanks to the fighting spirit of the athletes with disabilities and the warm hospitality of local residents.
At the closing ceremony of the 33rd Jeonnam Disabled Sports Festival, Kim Hanjong, Jangseong County Governor, is holding the tournament flag. Provided by Jangseong County
The 'Best Athlete Award' for the top performance of the festival went to Park Soyoung, who won three gold medals in weightlifting. In the overall rankings, Suncheon City took first place, Yeosu City came in second, and Gwangyang City placed third. The tournament flag was passed on to Gurye County, the next host.
At the awards ceremony, the Model Team Award went to Jangheung County, the Outstanding Team Award to Muan County, the Fair Play Award to the Jeonnam Disabled Boccia Federation, the Passion Award to Gurye County, the Challenge Award to Goheung County, and the Leap Award to the Jangseong County team.
At the welcome reception on the first day, participants enjoyed finger foods made from local specialties and dinner drinks from regional distilleries, which were well received. The opening ceremony, held as the first outdoor event in the history of the Jeonnam Sports Festival, drew attention for its seating arrangements and stage production designed with accessibility for people with disabilities in mind.
Performances by the Jangseong Korean Traditional Music Association, a fusion percussion show with gogo-janggu, appearances by the mascots Seongjangi and Jangseongi, and congratulatory stages by trot singers added to the festive atmosphere. Side events such as the 'AI Sports Festival Four-Cut' photo booth, rehabilitation experiences for people with disabilities, and a promotional booth for the '2025 Visit Jangseong Year' also proved popular.
On the second day, even in heavy rain, athletes in outdoor sports such as park golf continued their matches, adding to the sense of inspiration.
At the closing ceremony, County Governor Kim Hanjong stated, "Regardless of winning or losing, this was a true festival that fostered unity and friendship," and expressed his deep gratitude to the volunteers, athletes, and all residents of Jangseong County for their dedication.
Meanwhile, Jangseong County plans to continue the festivities this weekend with the 'Jangseong Hwangryonggang Gildongmu Flower Road Festival' and an outdoor music festival featuring artists such as Guckkasten and Car, the Garden.
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