Choi Dae-ho, the mayor of Anyang, expressed his joy on the 17th, stating, "Seeing the vibrant participation of citizens under the clear autumn sky fills my heart with pride." He emphasized the significance of community involvement and unity.
Mayor Choi made these remarks at the '2026 Citizen's Sports Festival,' hosted by the Anyang Sports Council at the Anyang Comprehensive Sports Complex in Bisandong, which concluded with enthusiastic support from the community.
During the event, Mayor Choi reiterated his commitment to promoting lifestyle sports, aiming to create a city where all citizens can enjoy health and happiness in their daily lives.
The festival saw participation from over 8,000 residents across 31 districts.
Competitions included six sports—800m athletics, soccer, women's penalty shootout, basketball shooting, han-gung, and shulun—allowing people of all ages to join in the fun.
Athletes representing each district showcased their skills in friendly competition, while the stands were filled with cheers and encouragement from residents, adding to the event's excitement.
Prior to the opening ceremony, performances by the Anyang Gymnastics Association dance team and the cheerleading team 'Pegasus' from Sungkyul University, along with a traditional music performance by the Anyang Taesamo Arts Group, heightened the festive atmosphere.
In the competition results, Hohyeon-dong claimed the overall championship. In the Manan District, Anyang 3-dong took first place, while Bisandong secured the top spot in the Dong-an District. Anyang 7-dong received the cheering award for their spirited support.
Participants viewed the event as more than just a competition; it was an opportunity to share bonds with neighbors and strengthen community ties.
Throughout the venue, residents cheered for their district's athletes, sharing smiles and excitement, while enjoying time together across generations and neighborhoods through various sports.
Notably, the inclusive nature of the events and the unique cheers from each district added vibrancy to the festival.
For citizens, this sports festival transcended mere athletic competition, serving as a platform for communication with neighbors and fostering a sense of belonging to the community.
Mayor Choi emphasized that this event highlights the value of lifestyle sports, encouraging citizens to engage in physical activities close to home and enjoy healthy leisure time.
He noted that citizen-participatory sports events not only promote health but also enhance communication among neighbors and invigorate the local community.
The gathering of residents from 31 districts to run and cheer together marked a significant step toward fostering community unity through lifestyle sports, while also broadening the consensus for a vibrant and healthy Anyang.
Meanwhile, Choi Dae-ho emphasized, "Anyang will continue to develop into a sports city where citizens can enjoy health and happiness in their daily lives through lifestyle sports, alongside three professional sports teams, including FC Anyang."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.