'First Introduction of Go' Held at the 19th China-Korea Youth Sports Exchange Invitation Event

*This content was translated by AI.

The Korean Olympic Committee (President Yoo Seung-min) will hold the 19th China-Korea Youth Sports Exchange Invitation Event from July 19 to 25 for seven days in Iksan, North Jeolla Special Self-Governing Province.

Since 2008, this event has been held annually on a reciprocal invitation and dispatch basis between Korea and China, allowing middle school students from both countries to build friendships through sports exchanges and establish a future-oriented foundation for cooperation.

This year, a delegation of 86 athletes from Sanya City, Hainan Province, China, will visit Iksan City to conduct sports exchanges in four disciplines: badminton, basketball, table tennis, and Go, alongside 86 Korean athletes.

Notably, starting this year, the Go discipline has been newly added as part of efforts to revitalize Korea-China cultural exchange, aiming to further broaden the scope of the exchange.

Athletes participating in the event will not only compete but also engage in cultural exchange programs and recreational activities that allow them to experience the history and culture of Iksan City, thereby expanding mutual understanding and deepening the exchange.

Additionally, to support motivation and career exploration among youth, a mentoring program by discipline and lectures by distinguished speakers have been newly added.

Coaches who are former national team members or professional athletes in each discipline will serve as one-day instructors for the mentoring programs, while Choi Hyun-ju, the head coach and 2008 Beijing Olympic archery gold medalist, will participate as a lecturer in the distinguished speaker session.

Yoo Seung-min (Chairman) stated, "We plan to strengthen inter-country exchange and cooperation through various international youth sports exchange projects, including the China-Korea Youth Sports Exchange, and support the development of global competencies among youth."

Meanwhile, in November, a delegation of 86 Korean athletes is scheduled to visit Sanya City, Hainan Province, China, to continue the two-way exchange once again.

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*This content was translated by AI.