Hwaseong City Kicks Off 72nd Gyeonggi-do Sports Festival... Embarks on Quest for Fourth Consecutive Overall Victory

Yoon Sungjin, Acting Mayor of Hwaseong, Urges: "Raise the Pride of 1.07 Million Citizens"

Encourages Team at Gyeonggi Provincial Sports Festival

477 Participants Dispatched Across 27 Disciplines

Hwaseong Special City in Gyeonggi Province has taken its first confident step toward achieving a remarkable fourth consecutive overall victory at the 72nd Gyeonggi-do Sports Festival, the province's premier sporting event.

The Hwaseong Special City athletes' team is marching during the opening ceremony of the 72nd Gyeonggi Provincial Sports Festival, leading the parade with flags. Courtesy of Hwaseong City

Yoon Sungjin, Acting Mayor of Hwaseong Special City, attended the opening ceremony of the "72nd Gyeonggi-do Sports Festival 2026 Gwangju," held on the afternoon of April 16 at G-Stadium in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province. He encouraged the Hwaseong City team and reaffirmed their determination to win.

This festival is the largest comprehensive sports event in Gyeonggi Province, involving 31 cities and counties. It takes place over three days, from April 16 to 18, at various venues throughout Gwangju. The opening ceremony was attended by Acting Mayor Yoon, Baek Jeongsu, Chairperson of Hwaseong Special City Council, Park Jongseon, President of Hwaseong Special City Sports Council, as well as city council members and sports officials, all of whom boosted the morale of the athletes.

The ceremony began with the entrance march of teams from all 31 cities and counties, followed by a congratulatory performance, the declaration of the opening, the raising of the festival flag, the official opening address, oaths by representatives of athletes and referees, and a torch-lighting performance. The Hwaseong Special City team entered with confidence, promoting the city's reputation as "Hwaseong, a city of special citizens and a shining city."

Acting Mayor Yoon Sungjin stated, "Hwaseong Special City is establishing itself as a leading sports city representing Gyeonggi Province by providing systematic support for athletes and enhancing competitiveness in each discipline. I urge everyone to do their utmost so that the efforts made so far are not in vain, to elevate the pride of Hwaseong's 1.07 million citizens, and to fully demonstrate the city’s capabilities as a special city."

Yoon Sungjin, Acting Mayor of Hwaseong Special City, raises his hand to greet guests at the opening ceremony of the 72nd Gyeonggi Provincial Sports Festival. Provided by Hwaseong City

Meanwhile, Hwaseong Special City has won the overall championship for three consecutive years at the festival. This year, the team is competing for a fourth straight victory, with a total of 477 participants—346 athletes and 131 officials—across 27 disciplines, including athletics, swimming, and football.

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