“Please show us the charm of disabled sports as you put on your best performance and deeply touch the hearts of everyone watching,” said the minister to the athletes who attended a gathering on August 29, 50 days ahead of the opening ceremony.
The gathering took place at the Korean Sports Training Center d'ground, the country's center for para sports, in Icheon, Gyeonggi-do (Gyeonggi Province), where the athletes announced their goals for the upcoming para games.
The culture minister said to the athletes, “I hope you can accomplish your goal to place Korea in the No. 2 spot overall in Asia, and offer an opportunity for us to become a leading country in sports for people with disabilities.”
Minister of Culture, Sports & Tourism Kim Jongdeok delivers words of encouragement to the athletes heading to the Incheon Asian Para Games 2014, on August 29.
Swimmer Kim Kyunghyun (right) and athlete Kim Soomin take the oath on behalf of all para athletes heading to the Incheon Asian Para Games 2014, on August 29. Giving the oath is the president of the Korea Paralympic Committee Kim Sung-il.
About 300 athletes, staff and other participants pose for a photo while showing their will to persevere in the upcoming Incheon Asian Para Games 2014.
The athletes showed their determination for victory by saying that they will maintain Korea’s long-standing strength in sports such as archery, shooting, table tennis and boccia. They also said they will do their best to find victory in new disciplines that have recently become official para sports, including lawn bowling, yachting and wheelchair dancesport.
The Incheon Asian Para Games 2014 will be held over seven days from October 18 to September 24 in Incheon. A total of 464 people, including 333 athletes, will participate in all disciplines of the games.
Minister of Culture, Sports & Tourism Kim Jongdeok (center) tries his hand at goal ball alongside other athletes at the Korean Sports Training Center d'ground in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province.
Minister of Culture, Sports & Tourism Kim Jongdeok (left) inspects the training venue for wheelchair fencing at the Korean Sports Training Center d'ground in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province.
By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
arete@korea.kr
All photos from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Most popular
- Korea Welcome Week for foreign tourists set from April 25-May 16
- Korea.net welcomes 2025 K-influencers, Honorary Reporters
- 2025 Honorary Reporter class pledges to spread 'real Korea' worldwide
- Actor Bae Doona's first romcom in decade to hit theaters in May
- US urged to exempt tariffs on Korea in first '2+2' trade talks
