Gijang-gun Welcomes the Torch After 25 Years

Gijang-gun successfully hosted the torch welcoming ceremony for the 106th National Sports Festival and 45th National Para Games on the 16th at Gijang Hyundai Dream Ball Park.

As the National Sports Festival and National Para Games are being held in Busan for the first time in 25 years, Gijang-gun's status as a host of the torch relay and major competitions is expected to rise significantly.

The event was attended by approximately 100 people, including Gijang-gun Mayor Jeong Jong-bok, Gijang-gun Council Chairman Park Hong-bok and council members, Busan City Council members, Gijang-gun Sports Council officials, torch relay runners, and local residents, all praying for the successful hosting of the games.

Haedong Yonggungsa Monk-Robed Relay Creates Buzz with Unique Performance

Approximately 50 people participated in the Gijang region torch relay, including social contributors, people with disabilities, athletes, and relay runners.

The relay started at Gijang Hyundai Dream Ball Park and proceeded through Daebyeon Port and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. Notably, during the Haedong Yonggungsa section, relay runners participated wearing monk robes in a unique relay performance that added to the festive atmosphere.

This creative presentation was evaluated as an attempt to highlight the distinctive character of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, one of Gijang-gun's representative tourist attractions, while adding local flavor to the torch relay.

Nine Events to Be Held in Gijang-gun

Gijang-gun will host 6 events from the National Sports Festival and 3 events from the National Para Games.

The following events will be held at the National Sports Festival:

• Billiards and Table Tennis
• Golf
• Baseball
• Soccer
• Mountain Cycling
• Softball

The following events from the National Para Games will take place in Gijang-gun:

• Golf
• Soccer
• Table Tennis

"We Will Make This a Festival of Unity and Passion"

Gijang-gun Mayor Jeong Jong-bok stated, "This sports festival is expected to become a festival of unity and passion created together by all county residents, beyond just a sporting event. I ask for the interest and participation of all county residents for the successful hosting of the games."

Gijang-gun plans to promote the status of Gijang as a sports-centered city nationwide through the torch relay and hosting of major competitions.