Gyeonggi-do Sports Festival Successfully Concludes
A Sports Festival Shining with the Passion of Residents
Hwaseong Takes First in Division 1, Pocheon Tops Division 2
Kim Juha, Five-Time Athletics Champion, Named MVP
The 71st Gyeonggi-do Sports Festival successfully concluded with the closing ceremony held at 5 p.m. on the 17th at Gapyeong Sports Complex.
The 71st Gyeonggi-do Sports Festival successfully concluded with the closing ceremony held at 5 p.m. on the 17th at Gapyeong Sports Complex. Seo Taewon, the governor of Gapyeong County, and other attendees are taking a commemorative photo. Provided by Gapyeong County
The festival, which took place from the 15th to the 17th, saw enthusiastic competition among more than 11,500 athletes and officials from 31 cities and counties in the province, across 27 sports including athletics, soccer, judo, and volleyball. This year's event served as an opportunity to widely promote the charm of Gapyeong as a healing city where nature, tourism, and sports come together.
The closing ceremony was attended by Seo Taewon, governor of Gapyeong County; Lee Wonsung, president of the Gyeonggi-do Sports Council; Park Raehyuk, director of the Gyeonggi-do Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau; Kim Kyungsoo, chairman of the Gapyeong County Council; Ji Youngki, president of the Gapyeong County Sports Council; as well as Bang Sehwan, mayor of Gwangju City, and Park Beomsik, president of the Gwangju City Sports Council, the next host city. They all encouraged the athletes and celebrated the successful conclusion of the festival together.
The event began with a highlight video of the festival, followed by the overall awards ceremony, the handover of the festival flag to Gwangju City, the host city for next year, farewell speeches, extinguishing of the torch, and the official closing declaration. Attendees shared the emotional moments with applause and cheers.
In the overall awards ceremony, Hwaseong Special City took first place in Division 1, with Seongnam City in second and Suwon Special City in third. In Division 2, Pocheon City claimed first place, followed by Uiwang City in second and Icheon City in third.
Gapyeong County, the host city, was awarded the Exemplary Team Award for demonstrating the best order during the festival and at the venues. In addition, Gapyeong County received the Achievement Award for its overall ranking improving significantly from 12th place last year to 7th place this year, thus fulfilling its role as the host city with distinction.
The festival's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to Kim Juha of Siheung City Hall, who won five gold medals in athletics.
Seo Taewon, governor of Gapyeong County, said, "The inspiration and passion created together by Gyeonggi-do residents and athletes in the pure and clear environment of Gapyeong will remain a profound echo in all our hearts. I would like to express my deep gratitude to everyone who visited Gapyeong, the athletes, as well as the volunteers, related organizations, and residents for their dedicated cooperation and service."
Meanwhile, the 72nd Gyeonggi-do Sports Festival is scheduled to be held in Gwangju City. At the closing ceremony, Ji Youngki, president of the Gapyeong County Sports Council, handed over the festival flag to Lee Wonsung, president of the Gyeonggi-do Sports Council, who then passed it to Park Beomsik, president of the Gwangju City Sports Council, symbolizing the passing of the baton for the next festival.
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