107th National Sports Festival Opens in Jeju After 12 Years... President Lee Takes to the Opening Ceremony Stage, Calling It a "Stage of Unity and Solidarity"

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The '107th National Sports Festival,' Korea's largest sports event, kicked off a seven-day competition with an opening ceremony on the 16th at Jeju World Cup Stadium in Seogwipo City, Jeju. This marks the first time the National Sports Festival has been held in Jeju since 2014, a span of 12 years.

According to a report by News1, President Lee Jae-myung and his wife, Kim Hye-kyung, attended the opening ceremony along with Jeju Island Governor Wi Seong-gon, Korea Sports Association Chairman Yoo Seung-min, athletes, and sports officials, lending their presence to the event.

In his commemorative address, President Lee Jae-myung stated, "The National Sports Festival has been a stage of unity and solidarity that has accompanied the growth of Korean sports for over 100 years." He encouraged the athletes by saying, "I hope you will respect and encourage one another beyond victory and defeat, and freely showcase the skills you have honed over time." He further emphasized, "We will spare no effort to ensure that all citizens can enjoy sports in their daily lives and that athletes can nurture their dreams in a better environment."

Held under the slogan 'Korea Running Together in Shining Jeju,' this tournament will take place across 74 venues throughout Jeju until the 22nd. A total of 30,599 athletes from 17 provinces and cities, as well as overseas Koreans, will compete in 50 events to test their skills.

The final lighting of the Olympic flame was performed by Lee Hyun-jae, a judo national team member from Jeju, marking the start of the tournament. Meanwhile, the event will conclude with a closing ceremony held at Jeju World Cup Stadium on the afternoon of the 22nd.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original