Minister Choi Huieong: "The Value of Sports for All Is Precious... Building a Healthy Community"

2026 National Sports for All Festival Opens in Gimhae on April 24
Over 20,000 Athletes Compete in 41 Events in the Spirit of Fair Play

"The value of sports for all, which helps build a healthy community, is truly precious."

The 2026 National Sports for All Festival, the largest sports-for-all event in Korea with over 20,000 participants, kicked off on April 24 in Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do. Choi Huieong, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, delivered a commemorative speech at the opening ceremony held at Gimhae Sports Complex, expressing his hope that "the value of sports for all will shine even brighter through this festival."

Minister Choi stated, "Sports for all is significant in that it allows people to maintain their health, experience the joy of sports, and add vitality to their lives." He added, "As the festival of inspiration and unity unfolds in Gyeongnam, I hope that everyone will sweat together, cheer each other on, and fully enjoy the event."

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hwi-Young Choi is delivering a commemorative speech at the opening ceremony of the '2026 National Sports for All Festival' held on the 24th at Gimhae Sports Complex in Gyeongnam. Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

The National Sports for All Festival was launched in Jeju in 2001 with the aim of broadening the base of participation in sports for all and promoting national unity by fostering friendship and harmony across regions and social groups. Since then, it has been held annually, rotating among major cities and provinces across the country.

This year's festival is hosted by the Korean Sports & Olympic Committee and organized by Gyeongsangnam-do and the Gyeongsangnam-do Sports Council. Under the slogan "A Festival of Inspiration and Unity in Gyeongnam," it will be held in Gimhae and other areas throughout Gyeongsangnam-do until April 26.

A total of 20,692 athletes are participating in this festival. Delegations from all 17 metropolitan cities and provinces are represented, including 2,113 from Gyeonggi-do, 1,908 from Gyeongsangnam-do, 1,429 from Busan, 1,376 from Seoul, and 1,345 from Daegu. In addition, as part of Korea-Japan sports-for-all exchange, 154 athletes from Japan are also taking part.

The athletes will compete in 41 events, including kendo, gateball, golf, archery, park golf, basketball, triathlon, and taekwondo. The competitions are divided into categories for those under 12, under 15, under 18, university, and general divisions. Events will be held at 14 venues in Gimhae, as well as at 60 venues across 18 cities and counties in Gyeongsangnam-do, including Changwon, Jinju, and Tongyeong, and at one venue in Gyeongbuk.

Yoo Seungmin, President of the Korean Sports & Olympic Committee, remarked, "The National Sports for All Festival is the biggest celebration of sports for all in Korea. What makes it special is that anyone can be the star of sports, passion shines brighter than records, and participation is more inspiring than competition." He added, "Let us move toward an era where everyone in the nation enjoys health and happiness through sports."

Minister Choi Huieong stated, "The government will do its utmost to expand the foundation so that everyone can enjoy sports anytime and anywhere, and to support a variety of programs."

On April 25, Minister Choi is scheduled to visit major competition sites, including Gimhae Citizens Sports Park and Gimhae Culture and Sports Center, to observe roller, soccer, and ssireum matches and to support the athletes.

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