Buan County to Host the "Buan Sunset Cup National Boccia Championship"

To Be Held at Buan Indoor Gymnasium from June 18 to 20

Buan County in North Jeolla Province will host the 9th Buan Sunset Cup National Boccia Championship at the Buan Indoor Gymnasium from June 18 to 20.

Buan County Office Building. Provided by Buan County

According to the county on June 17, boccia athletes from across the country are expected to compete fiercely in this event, which is anticipated to help promote sports for people with disabilities and expand interregional exchanges.

Boccia is a medal-winning event at the Paralympics but remains relatively unfamiliar to non-disabled people. South Korea first adopted boccia as an official event at the 1988 Seoul Paralympics, and the country has established itself as a boccia powerhouse, winning gold medals for ten consecutive Paralympic Games through the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Boccia originated from a Greek ball-throwing game and has been introduced by the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association as a sport similar to bowling. In boccia, players roll or kick a total of six balls onto the court, and the winner is determined by the number of balls placed closest to the target. The sport is often referred to as "curling on the floor."

The opening ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. on June 18 at the Buan County Indoor Gymnasium. Kwon Ikhyeon, the president of the Buan County Sports Association for the Disabled and the governor of Buan County, will welcome the athletes and spectators.

The county plans to use this tournament to raise awareness of boccia and further promote the development of sports for people with disabilities in the region.

An event official stated, "We have thoroughly prepared so that the athletes can perform at their best amid the beautiful nature and warm hospitality of Buan. We hope all participants enjoy a safe and enjoyable tournament."