National Disabled Sports Festival Opens … Park Wan-su, Governor of Gyeongnam, Calls It a "Turning Point for a New Disabled Sports Culture"

"I hope this competition becomes a turning point for a new culture of disabled sports where the values of harmony and respect, understanding and empathy shine brilliantly."

Park Wan-su, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, said this at the opening ceremony of the 44th National Disabled Sports Festival held on the afternoon of the 25th at Gimhae Sports Complex.

Park Wan-su, Governor of Gyeongnam Province, delivers a welcome speech at the opening ceremony of the 44th National Sports Festival for the Disabled.
[Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Government]

In his welcoming speech, Governor Park said, "We have strived to make this National Disabled Sports Festival a celebration of understanding and empathy that transcends barriers of region, generation, political faction, disability, and non-disability, recognizing each other as dignified and equal members of society."

He continued, "I send infinite respect and praise to the athletes who stand proudly here today, overcoming limits through indomitable challenges," and emphasized, "Gyeongnam Province will work to realize the vision of securing universal rights for persons with disabilities."

He added, "For the first time in the history of the National Disabled Sports Festival, we installed a live broadcast studio within the Gimhae Sports Complex and operated facilities and programs where people can personally experience disabled sports, aiming to provide opportunities to enhance understanding and empathy toward persons with disabilities."

Governor Park said, "I hope this Disabled Sports Festival will be a competition where the values of harmony and respect, understanding and empathy shine beyond competition and winning or losing."

At the opening ceremony of the 44th National Sports Festival for the Disabled, the torchbearer is transferring the flame to the cauldron.
[Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Government]

This National Disabled Sports Festival will be held from the 25th to the 30th, centered in Gimhae as the main host city, with events taking place throughout the province.

More than 9,800 athletes will compete in 31 events held at 37 venues across the province to showcase their skills.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.