A New Era of Inclusion and Participation
The Full-Fledged Leap of Disabled Sports in Sangju City
Sangju City's disabled sports sector has been fully integrated into the institutionalized comprehensive system, marking a significant turning point. This development is seen not merely as the launch of a new organization, but as the first step in restructuring the foundation of disabled sports and enhancing the region's capacity for inclusion within the community.
The Sangju City Disabled Sports Association held its launch ceremony at the new hall of the Sangju City Indoor Gymnasium on the 27th, officially declaring its establishment.
More than 300 people attended the event, including the city council chairperson, provincial and city council members, heads of institutions and organizations, executives of the Disabled Sports Association, and athletes, all celebrating this new beginning together.
The ceremony began with a drum performance and a stage by the Incanto Soloist Ensemble, followed by the introduction of distinguished guests, the official launch declaration, a progress report, a flag relay, the presentation of certificates of appointment, the awarding of plaques of appreciation, and commemorative speeches, powerfully proclaiming the significance of the organization's establishment.
Those recognized for their dedication to the development of disabled sports in Sangju City included Kim Janghwan, President of the Sangju City Disabled Organizations Association, weightlifter Kim Hyemin, and disabled sports instructor Kim Chilsun. Each received a plaque of appreciation from the Mayor of Sangju City.
On one side of the venue, experience zones for disabled sports such as Shulun and Hangung were set up, allowing participants to directly try out the sports and naturally appreciate the diversity and popularity of disabled sports.
In his commemorative speech, Sangju City Mayor Kang Youngseok expressed, "I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the disabled organizations, sports associations by discipline, and officials of the Disabled Sports Association who have devoted their utmost efforts to make today's launch possible." He added, "Going forward, we will create tangible changes, such as expanding competitions and strengthening daily sports programs, so that disabled sports can become a natural part of citizens' everyday lives."
He further emphasized, "I ask for your warm interest and support so that Sangju City can emerge as a new hub for disabled sports."
The Sangju City Disabled Sports Association held its founding general meeting on August 27, received approval as a city branch from the Gyeongsangbuk-do Disabled Sports Association on September 25, and, after recruiting staff and organizing its office, has now officially launched.
Looking ahead, the association aims to establish itself as a key institution for expanding access and participation in sports for people with disabilities by discovering and nurturing outstanding athletes in each discipline, supporting participation in various disabled sports competitions, and operating customized daily sports programs.
This launch is particularly significant as it establishes an institutional foundation for disabled sports in Sangju City, positioning it not just as a matter of welfare but as a 'basic right' for citizens. There is growing attention on how disabled sports will become a new pillar in the region's sports ecosystem as Sangju City moves forward.
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