Becoming future unification stars with sports
stars!
MOU-KSPO hold “Sports Camp with Sports Stars” (May 9)
On May 9, the Ministry of Unification and the Korea Sports Promotion
Foundation (KSPO) held a “Sports Camp with Sports Stars*.”
The event marked the first collaborative program since the Ministry
of Unification and KSPO signed a Memorandum of Understanding in
February. Around 100 students from alternative schools for North
Korean defector youth participated in the event.
*Sports Camp with Sports Stars: A community sports program hosted by
the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by KSPO,
aimed at expanding sports participation opportunities for vulnerable youth.
During the inauguration ceremony, Minister of Unification Kim Yung
Ho emphasized that “sports are a bridge that connects everyone beyond
origin and background, and a school where we learn by playing together
side by side.” He added, “I hope young people naturally develop a
sense of belonging, responsibility, and community spirit through
sports that require teamwork and cooperation.”
Additionally, the Minister pledged that the Ministry will be a
“partner that supports the potential and possibilities of young North
Korean defectors.”
During the luncheon that followed, Minister Kim had a heart-to-heart
talk with young North Korean defectors, listening to their thoughts on
school life and adapting to South Korea society.
In the afternoon, sports lessons were conducted with sports stars,
including Kang Wanjin, taekwondo gold medalist at the Hangzhou Asian
Games; Kim Wonho, badminton silver medalist at the Paris Summer
Olympics; and Choi Gyeongjin, former national futsal team coach.
