Gangwon Sports Festival for the Disabled Kicks Off in Donghae on the 18th for Three Days of Competition

Opening Ceremony at Donghae Gymnasium in Donghae City
Celebratory Performances by Kang Jin and Kang Hye-yeon
2,565 Participants Competing in 17 Sports
Free Admission to Major Tourist Attractions for Participants

The 19th Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Sports Festival for the Disabled will kick off three days of intense competition, starting with the opening ceremony held at Donghae Gymnasium at 4:20 p.m. on May 18.

Paraolympic Sports Festival Poster. Provided by Donghae City

This year's event, hosted by Donghae City from May 18 to 20, will feature a total of 2,565 participants, including athletes and officials, who will showcase their honed skills across 17 sports, such as billiards, cycling, Hangung, and table tennis.

Meanwhile, in the plaza in front of Donghae Gymnasium, booths will be set up where visitors can freely experience seven sports and participate in a physical fitness certification center. These attractions will allow the general public to enjoy various corners of the event.

The opening ceremony will take place at Donghae Gymnasium from 4:20 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on May 18, beginning with celebratory performances by popular singers Kang Jin and Kang Hye-yeon, followed by the athletes' parade, the official declaration of the opening, welcome and congratulatory speeches, and other official proceedings.

The ceremony will be attended by officials from the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Sports Association for the Disabled, members of city and county sports associations for the disabled, athletes, local citizens, and others, all gathering to cheer on the athletes and foster a spirit of unity.

Additionally, during the festival, the city will offer free admission to major tourist destinations—including Mureung Byeol Yucheonji, Cheongok Golden Bat Cave, Mureung Valley, and Dochebigol Sky Valley—for athletes and officials participating in the event. Participants will be able to enter these sites for free by presenting their event ID cards, and the city expects that this initiative will help revitalize both local tourism and the regional economy in connection with the festival.

Donghae Mayor Sim Gyu-eon stated, "I hope this event promotes sports for the disabled and becomes a festival of harmony and inspiration where all teams come together and enjoy themselves," adding, "We will do our utmost to ensure that the participating athletes can compete safely and comfortably."

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