Official Launch of the First Disabled Sports Organization in Busan
Gijang County Disabled Taekwondo Association Begins Its Role as a Hub for Local Disabled Sports
The Gijang County Disabled Taekwondo Association, the first sports organization under the Gijang County Disabled Sports Council, has officially launched, opening a new chapter in the promotion of sports for people with disabilities in the Busan area.
Key guests are taking a commemorative photo at the opening ceremony and plaque unveiling of the Gijang County Disabled Taekwondo Association office. Photo by Gijang County
On July 7, Gijang County (Governor Jung Jongbok) announced that the association, which has set up its office in Jeonggwan-eup, held its opening ceremony and plaque unveiling. The event was attended by about 30 people, including Governor Jung Jongbok, Kim Seongil, Secretary General of the Busan Disabled Sports Council, and association executives, who gathered to celebrate the launch.
The Gijang County Disabled Taekwondo Association has drawn attention as the first branch of a disabled sports organization to be registered among the 16 districts and counties in Busan. After completing its articles of association approval and executive elections at its founding general meeting in April, it received branch approval from the Busan Metropolitan City Disabled Taekwondo Association in June and was officially registered as an affiliated organization under the Gijang County Disabled Sports Council.
The association plans to further enhance the status of local disabled sports by expanding the base of disabled Taekwondo, fostering professional athletes, and supporting participation in various national and international competitions.
Shin Younggyun, a 7th dan Taekwondo master with international experience, has been appointed as the inaugural president. Shin served as the head coach of the Thai national disabled team from 2016 to 2022, and since settling in Gijang County in 2023, he has continued to teach Taekwondo to local people with disabilities in the form of talent donation.
These activities have been officially incorporated into the Gijang County Disabled Sports Council’s recreational sports program since last year, and systematic classes are currently being held every week at the Gijang Disabled Welfare Center. This initiative is positively evaluated for not only improving the physical health of local people with disabilities, but also for expanding their participation in society.
Governor Jung Jongbok stated, "I hope the Gijang County Disabled Taekwondo Association will grow into a central pillar of local disabled sports," adding, "We will continue to provide unwavering support to create a healthy sports environment where people with and without disabilities can come together."
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