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A Strong Leap Forward for Slow Learners: Busan Metropolitan City to Host the “2026 Family Sports Day for Individuals with Borderline Intellectual Functioning”

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it will hold the “2026 Youth Soccer Class Family Sports Day,” where children and adolescents with borderline intellectual functioning and their parents can participate together, on April 12 at 10:30 a.m. at the lawn plaza of Gudeok Camping Site in Seo-gu.

This event is being carried out as part of the “Life-Cycle Customized Support Program for Individuals with Borderline Intellectual Functioning,” which the City is focusing on in 2026.

Individuals with borderline intellectual functioning do not meet the criteria for intellectual disability but are a group with a high likelihood of experiencing difficulties in learning and social adaptation, requiring early intervention and continuous support for social development.

Accordingly, the City has, for the first time this year, operated a youth soccer class using the Hometown Love Donation Fund. In addition, it is strengthening a preventive welfare system by providing comprehensive services without blind spots, including support for independence, customized counseling, and social adaptation programs.

In particular, this sports day is designed not only for children and adolescents but also to provide parents with opportunities to build networks, relieve parenting stress, and share information, creating a space for communication.

The event will be conducted in two parts, with approximately 100 participants including children and adolescents enrolled in the soccer class and their guardians.

In Part 1, “Opening Hearts,” the event will begin with an opening ceremony followed by recreational team-building activities. Through team quizzes and light group games, participants will ease initial awkwardness and foster a sense of belonging.

In Part 2, “Running Together in Harmony,” a full-scale customized sports competition will take place after lunch. Events tailored to the characteristics of the children will include the “Three-Legged Race” requiring teamwork, the “Flip the Color Panels” game to build agility, the “Rolling the Cave Ball” activity to move toward a shared goal, “Hockey” to enhance concentration, and the highlight of the sports day, the “Relay Race.”

At the closing ceremony, in line with the theme “A Sports Day Where Everyone Wins,” all participants will receive awards, along with a raffle for generous prizes. The event will conclude with a satisfaction survey to be used as foundational data for future policy development.

For further inquiries, please contact Busan Social Service Agency at 051-861-8708.

The City expects that this event will provide children and adolescents with borderline intellectual functioning, often referred to as “slow learners,” with a sense of achievement and confidence through physical activities, while also strengthening family bonds.

Jeong Tae-gi, Director of the Social Welfare Bureau, stated, “This family sports day is a meaningful opportunity for children and adolescents with borderline intellectual functioning to experience a sense of achievement and belonging among their peers and families,” adding, “We will continue to expand sports, cultural, and experiential programs to support their healthy growth as members of the local community.”