Gimcheon City Officially Launches Disabled Sports Association

A Sports Environment Where People With and Without Disabilities Come Together

The Gimcheon Disabled Sports Association in North Gyeongsang Province held its official inauguration ceremony on February 25 in the auditorium on the third floor of Gimcheon City Hall, under the theme of "Creating a sports environment in sports-centered Gimcheon where people with and without disabilities can enjoy sports together."

The event was attended by about 300 guests, including Chairman Bae Nakho and executives of the Disabled Sports Association, marking the vigorous launch of the organization.

Bae Nakho, chairman of the Gimcheon Disabled Sports Association, is delivering a commemorative address. Photo by Kim Ihwan

The ceremony began with a pre-event performance featuring a concert by the municipal symphony orchestra and a choral performance by the municipal choir, envisioning a future Gimcheon where people with and without disabilities harmoniously come together. This was followed by an inauguration declaration by Executive Vice Chairman Yeo Sangkyu and a progress report by Secretary General Son Taeok.

Next came a relay handover of the association flag, the presentation of an accreditation plaque from the provincial Disabled Sports Association, the awarding of plaques of appreciation, and the presentation of accreditation certificates to affiliated organizations. This was followed by a commemorative address by Chairman Bae Nakho, a congratulatory message by Ahn Yongu, Executive Vice Chairman of the provincial Disabled Sports Association, congratulatory remarks by Council Chairman Na Youngmin, Provincial Assembly Member Park Seonha, and Gimcheon Sports Council President Choi Handong, and a rice cake-cutting performance.

On December 2, 2024, Gimcheon City established a plan to promote the founding of the Disabled Sports Association, and on December 11 it formed a preparatory committee. Since then, it has carried out the establishment procedures, including holding multiple meetings, enacting the articles of association and related regulations, recruiting staff, and building office infrastructure.

With the official launch of the Gimcheon Disabled Sports Association, sports activities for approximately 10,000 people with disabilities in the region are expected to be further revitalized, marking the first step toward realizing a sports culture in which people with and without disabilities participate together.

In his commemorative address, Chairman Bae Nakho presented a vision for disabled sports in Gimcheon, saying, "Soon, the Bandabi Gymnasium will be completed in Gimcheon, and now that our Disabled Sports Association has officially been launched, this will serve as an opportunity to create a healthy sports culture where people with and without disabilities come together, and to accelerate the development of disabled sports by one step."