Putting the Values of the Jeju Peace and Human Rights Charter into Practice in Sports
Jeju Special Self-Governing Province has proposed to the Korea Paralympic Committee the idea of holding the National Para Games before the National Sports Festival, and has successfully introduced this change, drawing significant attention from the para sports community.
In June, Jeju Province finalized the plan to host the National Para Games ahead of the National Sports Festival after discussions with the Korea Paralympic Committee.
Until now, the National Para Games have been held at the end of October, after the National Sports Festival, leading to relatively dispersed public attention and causing difficulties for athletes with disabilities-who are more vulnerable to cold weather-in terms of health management and competition operations.
Jeju Province expects that holding the National Para Games in mid-September next year, when weather conditions are more stable, will enhance athletes’ performance and focus on the event, and further increase public interest in para sports.
Approximately 10,000 participants, including athletes and officials, will compete in 31 sports across 40 venues both within and outside the province.
The Korea Paralympic Committee welcomed the decision, stating, “Jeju Province’s choice to hold the National Para Games first is a meaningful act of genuine consideration and respect for people with disabilities. It will greatly contribute to making the athletes with disabilities the true protagonists of the event.”
This decision is an example of Jeju putting into practice the values of inclusiveness outlined in the recently declared Jeju Peace and Human Rights Charter. It serves as a concrete example of Jeju’s policy direction as a city friendly to people with disabilities.
Jeju’s pioneering initiative is also having a positive impact on other regions, such as Gyeonggi Province, which will host the next National Sports Festival. These local governments are reportedly considering holding their own National Para Games ahead of the National Sports Festival, suggesting that the Jeju model could spread nationwide.
Jeju Province plans to ensure safe and comfortable competition management during the event by thoroughly upgrading stadium facilities and expanding accessibility infrastructure for people with disabilities.
The province aims to create a true sports festival where people with and without disabilities can participate and enjoy together, while also promoting greater awareness and social consensus regarding people with disabilities.
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