Mayor Kang Gijung Gathers Opinions Through "Monday Dialogue"
A Catalyst for Enhancing City Brand and Revitalizing the Local Economy
Gwangju Mayor Kang Kijeong attended the 44th Monday Dialogue 'Conversation with Gwangju Athletes' held on the afternoon of the 29th at the Olympic Memorial National Living Center inside Yeomju Gymnasium in Seo-gu. After sharing opinions related to the National Sports Festival, he took a commemorative photo. Provided by Gwangju City
On the afternoon of July 29, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung held the "44th Monday Dialogue" at the Olympic Memorial National Sports Center seminar room under the theme "Listening to the Opinions of Gwangju Sports Figures on the National Sports Festival." This Monday Dialogue was originally scheduled for July 21 but was postponed to this day due to heavy rainfall.
Key figures from the sports community highlighted Gwangju's sports infrastructure and potential during the Monday Dialogue, emphasizing the justification for hosting the National Sports Festival.
Gwangju sports representatives unanimously stated, "We must elevate Gwangju's status as a sports city by hosting the National Sports Festival for the first time in 20 years," and added, "Based on our successful experience hosting international sporting events such as the 2015 Summer Universiade and the 2019 World Aquatics Championships, let us actively pursue the bid to host the 109th National Sports Festival in 2028." Moon Jongmin, Vice President of the Gwangju Sports Council, presented a vision of Gwangju as a leading city in AI-based sports, further explaining the rationale for hosting the event.
Of particular note is the anticipated economic ripple effect of hosting the event. It is expected to attract up to 150,000 visitors, generate 111.1 billion won in economic benefits, induce 217.2 billion won in production, and create 2,614 jobs. Attendees emphasized that hosting the event could serve not only as a sports festival but also as a catalyst for enhancing the city's brand and revitalizing the local economy.
Mayor Kang Gijung stated, "If the National Sports Festival is held in Gwangju, I hope it will be a distinctly different event from previous ones," and added, "It must be truly beneficial for citizens, instill pride in sports figures, and become a festival that inspires dreams for the future."
Meanwhile, in order to host the 109th National Sports Festival in 2028, the Gwangju Sports Council must submit an application to the Korea Sports Council by September 26, including plans for stadium facilities, accommodation and transportation, and budget arrangements. In addition, a guarantee letter from the mayor of Gwangju and a letter of commitment from the chair of the Gwangju City Council must also be submitted.
After receiving the application, the Korea Sports Council will conduct an on-site inspection and a preliminary review in November, and the final host city will be selected at the board of directors meeting in December.
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