A New Milestone in Sports Welfare
Synergy Expected with the Bandabi Community Center
Gimcheon City in North Gyeongsang Province has paved the way for a new chapter in the systematic development of sports for the disabled and the creation of an inclusive sports environment.
On August 28, Gimcheon City held the inaugural general meeting and board of directors meeting for the Gimcheon Sports Association for the Disabled at the city hall auditorium, officially announcing its launch. The meeting was attended by Mayor Bae Nakho, who serves as the ex officio president, along with 29 board members, celebrating the establishment of the association.
The meeting began with the presentation of appointment letters to board members and a report on the establishment process, followed by deliberation and approval of key agenda items, including the enactment of the association's articles of incorporation, the establishment of regulations, the appointment of board members, the 2025 business plan and budget, and the operation of the secretariat. The items approved on this day will serve as the foundation for the association's future operations.
After nine months of preparation, Gimcheon City has launched the association in an organized manner. Since finalizing its establishment plan in December of last year, the city has meticulously built the organizational framework over nine months, holding three committee meetings to draft the articles of incorporation and regulations.
This is not a mere formal launch; it is significant in that it is grounded in a long-term vision for local sports for the disabled and practical plans for its operation.
In particular, the Gimcheon Sports Association for the Disabled has set the promotion of health for people with disabilities, the creation of a sound leisure culture, and balanced development across sports disciplines as its core objectives. Once it receives approval from the North Gyeongsang Province Sports Association for the Disabled, it will secure official legal status and begin full-scale activities.
Synergy with the Bandabi Community Center Anticipated Gimcheon City is currently constructing the Bandabi Community Center in the Eungmyeong-dong area. Scheduled for completion in 2027, this facility will serve as a multi-purpose space combining sports activities for the disabled with cultural and welfare programs. In conjunction with the association's operations, it is expected to take the sports environment for the disabled to the next level.
Mayor Bae Nakho stated, "The Gimcheon Sports Association for the Disabled will be an important milestone in creating a healthy sports environment where people with and without disabilities can come together and enjoy sports. Going forward, the city will spare no effort in expanding the base for sports for the disabled and establishing a foundation for community sports."
Establishing a Regional Model for Sports and Welfare This launch goes beyond simply establishing a sports organization. By providing a social foundation where people with and without disabilities can interact, it is drawing attention as a unique Gimcheon-style model for sports and welfare. The stable launch of a sports association for the disabled in a small to mid-sized local city is also a meaningful case on a national level.
With this launch, Gimcheon City plans not only to strengthen the competitiveness of local athletes with disabilities but also to accelerate the expansion of community sports. By creating an open sports environment where all citizens can participate, the city expects to foster solidarity and integration within the local community.
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