Jeollanam-do Disabled Sports Festival and Sports Festival for All to Be Held
Overcoming Social Prejudices Through Sports... A Stage for Integration
Yeonggwang County in Jeollanam-do is transforming itself into a city of sports and harmony. With the 2025 Jeollanam-do Disabled Sports Festival and the 37th Jeollanam-do Sports Festival for All set to be held consecutively, Yeonggwang is expected to experience a more vibrant and energetic atmosphere than ever before. These events are more than just sports competitions; they are celebrated as the "flower of sports for all," where all provincial residents participate, and as a "stage of integration" where people with and without disabilities come together to share happiness, giving the festivals special significance.
First, the 2025 Jeollanam-do Disabled Sports Festival will showcase the sweat and efforts of athletes overcoming the barriers of disability, inspiring all who watch. The primary goal of this event is to realize a "discrimination-free sports culture" by encouraging participation and support from both people with and without disabilities. The slogan for this year's festival, "Gathering Dreams as One in Yeonggwang, the Light of a Millennium," captures both the historical symbolism of Yeonggwang and the spirit of unity embodied in the event.
Following this, the 37th Jeollanam-do Sports Festival for All will provide a stage for sports enthusiasts from 22 cities and counties across Jeollanam-do to showcase the skills they have honed. The passion and camaraderie of everyday athletes will shine through in a variety of sports, including soccer, badminton, gateball, table tennis, and track and field.
To ensure smooth preparations and the successful hosting of these events, Yeonggwang County has formed an organizing committee led by County Mayor Jang Seil, which oversees the overall direction and major policies of the festivals.
Additionally, a working-level task force has been established to handle practical operations, with dedicated teams assigned to specific areas such as game management, safety control, transportation, accommodation and food, as well as publicity and cultural events. The county is also building a close cooperative system with relevant organizations and volunteer groups to systematically manage every stage from preparation to the conclusion of the festivals.
During the event period, Yeonggwang County plans to secure temporary parking lots near major venues to ensure convenient transportation for participants and spectators. In cooperation with the police and community security teams, the county will implement traffic control and parking guidance on main roads, and deploy signage and traffic guides in areas where congestion is expected, creating a safe and pleasant traffic environment.
To ensure the comfort of athletes and spectators, local accommodations are being inspected and hygiene and safety management guidelines are being strengthened. Restaurants are receiving training in customer service and hygiene inspections to provide a clean and safe dining environment. In particular, the county is preparing to promote and offer a variety of local specialties, such as Yeonggwang Gulbi (dried yellow corvina), Mositnip Songpyeon (rice cakes with ramie leaves), and Yeonggwang Hanwoo (Korean beef), so that visitors can fully experience the unique flavors and charm of Yeonggwang.
To prepare for potential safety accidents and emergencies during the events, ambulances and emergency rescue personnel will be stationed at the main stadium and key venues. A rapid emergency response system has been established in cooperation with local medical institutions. The public health center will operate a medical support team, with emergency medicines and equipment available at all times to respond to incidents such as heatstroke or exhaustion. Customized medical support services for athletes with disabilities will also be provided.
A variety of cultural festivals are also being prepared during the event period.
From October 26 to 27, the two days following the opening ceremony of the 37th Jeollanam-do Sports Festival for All, a cultural festival will be held at the Special Stage in the Meeting Plaza in Yeonggwang-eup. This festival will bring together athletes, spectators, and local residents for a shared celebration. Starting with the Dongchun Circus, the event will feature performances by famous singers, an EDM concert, music festivals, flea markets, and a wide range of performances, exhibitions, and hands-on activities, making it the most culturally rich festival in the event's history.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
