Busan is good

2025 Busan — A Triumphant Conclusion to 13 Days of Sports… A Powerful Leap Toward the Future

내용

Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that the 45th National Para Games, which began on October 31, concluded today (Nov. 5) with a closing ceremony at Sajik Indoor Gymnasium attended by around 2,000 athletes and citizens.
With this ceremony, Busan successfully wrapped up both the 106th National Sports Festival and the 45th National Para Games, marking the end of their 13-day run.

The festivals brought together 38,578 athletes from 17 provinces and cities and 1,544 athletes from 18 overseas Korean organizations.
(City and provincial delegations: 28,791 for the National Sports Festival and 9,787 for the Para Games; Overseas Korean organizations: 1,512 for the National Sports Festival and 32 for the Para Games.)

---

Under the vision of “Korea United in the Global Hub City, Busan,” both the National Sports Festival and the National Para Games became a stage for harmony, hope, and inspiration, opening a new chapter in Busan’s sports history.

The 106th National Sports Festival, held from October 17 to 23, concluded with a historic achievement — reclaiming 2nd place overall after 52 years. Following that, the 45th National Para Games, held in Busan for the first time in 24 years starting October 31, added even greater significance.

---

[National Sports Festival]

The Busan team’s outstanding performance in reclaiming 2nd place overall after 52 years drew enthusiastic applause. This remarkable success was the result of Busan’s passionate sports culture, the wholehearted support of its citizens, and the relentless efforts of its athletes. The event once again proved the strength and potential of Busan’s athletic community on the national stage.

[National Para Games]

The subsequent Para Games served as a platform of understanding and empathy, where athletes with and without disabilities came together through sports to convey a message of unity and inclusion. The athletes’ passionate performances and citizens’ heartfelt support demonstrated that the Games went far beyond competition — playing an essential role in advancing social integration.

---

The events also had a positive impact on the region, including:

• ●Enhanced community solidarity through the active participation of citizens, volunteers, and supporters.

• ●Improved sports infrastructure across Busan.

• ●Revitalized local economy fueled by visiting athletes and spectators.

[Citizen Participation]

Over 4,000 volunteers contributed to smooth operations by managing entrances and exits at the opening and closing ceremonies, providing guidance at venues, supporting traffic and parking control, and promoting event enthusiasm citywide.
In addition, about 16,000 citizen and student supporters actively participated by attending matches and cheering passionately, becoming the unsung heroes behind the Games’ success.

[Improved Sports Infrastructure]

The city used the preparation process to upgrade sports facilities, strengthening the foundation for community sports and laying the groundwork for hosting future international events.

[Revitalized Local Economy]

During the event period, athletes and visitors to Busan brought vitality to local businesses, generating a positive economic ripple effect across the region.

---

Busan Metropolitan City stated its commitment to continue expanding sports infrastructure and attracting diverse sports events so that all citizens can enjoy healthy and fulfilling lives through sports.

The final results of the 45th National Para Games will be available from 6:00 p.m. today (Nov. 5) on the Korean Paralympic Committee website (national.koreanpc.kr/45/).

---

Meanwhile, following the successful completion of these Games, Busan will begin preparations for next year’s Youth Sports Festivals.
In May 2026, Busan will host the 20th National Para Students Sports Festival (May 12–15) and the 55th National Junior Sports Festival (May 23–26), continuing its reputation as a leading “Sports City.”

To commemorate this year’s success and reflect on its achievements, Busan will also hold the “2025 National (Para) Sports Festival Achievement Report and Citizen Appreciation Event” in December 2025.
At the event, the city will share the outcomes of the Games, present highlight videos and photos, and discuss future strategies for utilizing sports facilities.

---

Mayor Park Heong-joon emphasized,

“Disability is not a difference but the beginning of coexistence built on respect and compassion in our shared world.
Through this National Para Games, Busan will advance as a ‘barrier-free city,’ expanding mobility rights, creating better jobs, and ensuring that everyone can enjoy the happiness of daily life and the joy of sports —
building a ‘Busan where people would choose to live again.’”