Expecting Citizens to Experience Joy and Healing
Ceremonial First Pitch at the 19th Hanstar Celebrity Baseball Tournament Sponsored by The Kim Law Firm on July 7
Kim Unnam, chairman of Goyang City Council, visited the home stadium of Goyang Heroes located in Daehwa-dong, Goyang City. Photo by Hanstar Media
Kim Unnam, chairman of the Goyang Special City Council, expressed his expectation that the 19th Hanstar Celebrity Baseball Tournament, sponsored by The Kim Law Firm and currently being held at Janghang Baseball Stadium in Goyang City, will serve as a practical driving force for the recovery of the local economy.
In a recent interview with Hanstar Media, the organizer of the baseball tournament, Chairman Kim stated, "Sports events like the celebrity baseball tournament, which citizens can enjoy and participate in together, provide a great opportunity to revitalize the local community." He added, "With the opening of the GTX, Goyang City's accessibility to Seoul has been dramatically improved. Goyang is no longer a 'distant and unfamiliar city,' but is transforming into a cultural and tourism hub that people can easily visit in their daily lives. Through this celebrity baseball tournament, I believe that many citizens and visitors will be able to experience both the dynamism and relaxation that Goyang City has to offer."
Chairman Kim also noted, "In Goyang City, world-renowned artists such as BTS and Blackpink are scheduled to perform, and in September, the 10th UCLG ASPAC Congress, an international conference of the United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific section, will be held. I expect that Goyang City's vibrant city brand, which combines sports, culture, and international exchange, will be imprinted not only nationwide but also internationally."
Chairman Kim emphasized the need for swift policy development and implementation to revitalize the local economy, especially at a time when major events are being held in succession. He said, "It is particularly important to promptly resume the local currency support program so that small business owners can receive practical assistance. When such policy efforts are combined, sports events like the celebrity baseball tournament can become a real driving force for the recovery and revitalization of Goyang City's local economy, going beyond being just a one-time event." He also stressed the importance of environmentally friendly event management. He explained that environmental campaigns, such as waste separation and minimizing the use of disposable items, should be conducted so that citizens can voluntarily participate, thereby fostering a sustainable urban culture even while enjoying sports.
Chairman Kim stated, "As a city where large-scale concerts and sports events are held in succession, it is time for Goyang to establish itself as a 'safe and eco-friendly event management city.' I hope this tournament will set a good example by meeting these standards and increasing citizen satisfaction and trust in the city." Chairman Kim is scheduled to throw the ceremonial first pitch before the first game of Week 12 of the celebrity baseball tournament (19:00) between the Crusaders and BMB on July 7.
The 19th Hanstar Celebrity Baseball League, sponsored by The Kim Law Firm, is being held under the motto "Celebrity Baseball on Mondays without Professional Baseball." Currently, 11 celebrity baseball teams are participating. The teams are Intermission (led by Oh Manseok), Crusaders (led by Lim Ho), BMB (managed by Lee Junghyuk), Stars (managed by Koo Byungmoo), Jomajoma (led by Jung Boseok), Cheonhamujeok (managed by Kim Donghee), Bromance (managed by Kim Kyungrok), Youth Baseball Team (managed by Park Kwangsoo), Gongnoriya (managed by Jung Wook), Albatross (managed by Jo Yeonwoo), and P.O.M (managed by Park Seonil). Two night games are held every Monday from 19:00, and admission is free.
The 19th Hanstar Celebrity Baseball League is hosted by The Kim Law Firm and the Korea Celebrity Sports Association, organized by Hanstar Media, and sponsored by Goyang Special City and the Goyang Special City Baseball Softball Association. The games are broadcast through Naver, YouTube, and other platforms.
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