Gimpo City Holds 29th Senior Citizens' Day Celebration
A Festival of Unity Through Sports Competitions for Seniors
Mayor Kim Byungsoo Pledges Support for Income Stability and Welfare of the Elderly
Gimpo City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Kim Byungsoo) held the 29th Senior Citizens' Day celebration in grand fashion on October 14 at the Gimpo Citizens' Hall indoor gymnasium and the Gimpo Sports Complex.
Mayor Kim Byungsoo is delivering a congratulatory speech at the 29th Senior Citizens' Day ceremony. Provided by Gimpo City
This event was organized by the Gimpo City branch of the Korean Senior Citizens Association (Chairman Lee Seokyoung), with over 1,000 senior citizens and guests in attendance. It served as an opportunity to reflect on the significance of Senior Citizens' Day and to express respect and gratitude for the contributions of the elderly.
The first part of the ceremony began with performances by singer Park Ilnam and the fusion Korean traditional music group Hanayeon, followed by the recitation of the Senior Citizens' Charter, commendations for distinguished contributors, commemorative speeches, and congratulatory addresses. Commendations were awarded to 30 exemplary seniors and contributors who have advanced senior welfare. Among them, the Minister of Health and Welfare Award was presented to Sim Sanghun, head of the Saudong branch of the Gimpo City branch of the Korean Senior Citizens Association. After the commemorative ceremony, a luncheon was held in each of the 14 towns and townships, bringing together guests and senior citizens for a time of unity.
In his congratulatory address, Mayor Kim Byungsoo stated, "Senior Citizens' Day is a meaningful occasion to honor and respect the lives of our elders and to reflect on how we should continue to respect and live together with them in the future." He added, "As the Greek proverb says, 'If there are no elders in your home, borrow some,' the wisdom and life experience of our elders have always been the greatest asset to our communities throughout human history."
Mayor Byungsoo Kim is receiving the mayoral citation and taking a commemorative photo with the award recipients (from left: Yeonsu Kim, Yunjong Eom, Chunae Choi, Jongse Lim). Provided by Gimpo City
He continued, "Gimpo City is carrying on this spirit by implementing various initiatives to respect our elders, especially by launching the 'Hyo Dream Meal' project in the southern region and gradually expanding it. In addition, we will soon provide solutions to the crematorium issue, which many are concerned about. Going forward, we will do our utmost to provide warm meals to those aged 75 and older and to create a city where everyone can live in comfort and good health."
The second part of the event featured a sports competition and a Hangung (traditional Korean archery) tournament, where seniors showcased their skills in events such as cooperative bound, Tuho (arrow-throwing game), and Hangung, adding excitement to the celebration. Unyang-dong won the overall championship at the sports competition.
Mayor Kim Byungsoo is greeting and communicating with senior citizens and volunteers at lunch venues in each town and township. Provided by Gimpo City
Meanwhile, under its eighth popularly elected administration, Gimpo City has allocated a senior welfare budget of 224.7 billion won this year and is pursuing a variety of projects, including 'Hyo Dream Meal,' 'Longevity Celebration Dream,' and the 'Senior Job Project Group.' The city is also working to expand welfare infrastructure by constructing a second integrated social welfare center and expanding public charnel facilities.
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