South Korean regional para sports festivals see increased participation

Regional sports festivals for people with disabilities are seeing significant growth and participation in South Korea. In Gangnam-gu, the Eoullim Sports Festival has expanded its scale by approximately 2.5 times over two years, growing from 735 participants in 2024 to 1,880 participants this year. The event increased its variety of sports from five to nine disciplines, including new additions like WheelieX and floor curling, to accommodate different physical needs.

Simultaneously, the 20th Gyeonggi Provincial Para Sports Festival is being held in Gapyeong. This event brings together 4,276 participants, including 1,957 athletes from 31 municipalities across Gyeonggi Province, to compete in 19 different sports such as gateball. Organizers have implemented safety measures, including cooling buses and medical support systems, to manage the heat during the outdoor competitions.