President Lee Jae-myung Attends National Sports Festival Opening on the 17th
Athletes from Korean Organizations in 18 Countries Also Participate
"I Am Immensely Proud of the Teams Raising Korea's Profile"
President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung are applauding the athletes entering the opening ceremony of the 106th National Sports Festival held at Busan Asiad Main Stadium on the 17th. On the left is Yoo Seung-min, President of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
President Lee Jae-myung attended the opening ceremony of the National Sports Festival on the 17th and stated, "I hope that Busan, as a global hub city, will rise as a world-class city of sports and culture," adding, "Our government will also actively support Busan's new leap forward."
President Lee, accompanied by First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, made these remarks at the opening ceremony of the 106th National Sports Festival held at Busan Asiad Main Stadium in the afternoon.
The National Sports Festival, which began in 1920, is the largest comprehensive sports event in Korea. This year, it is being held in Busan for the first time in 25 years. A record total of over 30,300 participants are taking part, including about 29,000 athletes from 17 cities and provinces and around 1,500 athletes from Korean sports organizations in 18 countries.
President Lee remarked, "Now in its 106th year, the National Sports Festival is more than just a sports competition; it holds special significance in our history. The sweat and dedication of athletes who gave their all on behalf of the people during the Japanese colonial period grew into the noble spirit that preserved our national identity."
He continued, "That sweat became a beacon of hope, reaffirming our resolve to rebuild amid the ruins of war, and in every moment of hardship and adversity, it became the unwavering will to overcome."
President Lee Jae-myung is delivering a commemorative speech at the opening ceremony of the National Sports Festival held at Busan Asiad Main Stadium on the 17th. Photo by Yonhap News
President Lee extended special thanks to the athletes from Korean organizations in 18 countries. He said, "I am immensely proud to stand with each and every one of you, who have not forgotten your national identity and are raising Korea's profile on the world stage. Your participation will remain a source of deep pride for all our people."
President Lee also said, "As always, you are already champions. Each of you has already triumphed, having overcome your own limits with sweat born of patience and passion. I believe you will inspire great hope and emotion among our people by demonstrating the true values of sports-mutual respect and solidarity-across the world."
He added, "It is no exaggeration to say that the beautiful sportsmanship of competing fairly and accepting the results, and the spirit of unity that reminds us we can become one despite our differences, have shaped today's Korea. The National Sports Festival, which has become a symbol of harmony by overcoming the pains of the times, will serve as a springboard for Korea to overcome crises and achieve even greater progress."
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