'Festival of Firefighters' to Open in Gwangju on June 9

2,500 Firefighters Nationwide Compete in 7 Sports Until June 11
"Visit Gwangju Year" Stamp Tour and Baseball Game Viewing Also Planned

Poster of the 7th National Firefighting Sports Competition. Provided by Gwangju Fire Headquarters

The 7th National Fire Agency Chief's Cup National Firefighting Sports Competition, where firefighters from across the country come together through sports, will open on June 9 at the Kimdaejung Convention Center. The competition will run for three days until June 11.

This year's event will feature around 2,500 participants, including teams from 19 city and provincial fire headquarters across the country and the National Fire Agency. They will compete in seven sports: soccer, baseball, basketball, jokgu, table tennis, tennis, and badminton.

The opening ceremony will be held at 3:00 p.m. on June 9 in the multipurpose hall of the Kimdaejung Convention Center. The program will begin with a performance by the Gwangju Municipal Changgeuk Troupe, showcasing traditional Namdo arts, followed by a speech from the Chief of the National Fire Agency, a welcoming address from the Mayor of Gwangju, congratulatory remarks from guests, an oath by the athletes' representative, and the official declaration of the opening of the competition.

In particular, this year's competition will coincide with the "Visit Gwangju Year" campaign. In cooperation with the Gwangju Tourism Organization, a tourism promotion booth will be operated. Various side events are also planned, including a stamp tour of major city attractions for participants and an event to watch a Kia Tigers home game, making the competition a festival that combines sports and local culture.

The Gwangju Fire Safety Headquarters has completed thorough preparations, prioritizing the safety of both participants and spectators. Safety personnel will be deployed at each venue, and on-site emergency response teams will be in operation.

Ko Youngguk, head of the Gwangju Fire Safety Headquarters, said, "I hope this event will be a meaningful occasion for firefighters from across the country to relieve stress, encourage one another, and strengthen their teamwork."

Meanwhile, the competition will conclude with a closing ceremony on June 11, and awards will be given to the winning and runner-up teams in each sport based on the results.