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Busan Metropolitan City Holds Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony for the 2026 National Junior Sports Festival and Youth Para Games

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Busan Metropolitan City and the Busan Metropolitan City Volunteer Center announced that they will hold the Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony for the 2026 National Junior Sports Festival and Youth Para Games today (July 9) at 1:30 p.m. in the Main Auditorium of Busan City Hall.

The ceremony has been organized to recognize and thank the volunteers whose dedication contributed to the successful operation of the 55th National Junior Sports Festival and the 20th Youth Para Games held in May. It carries additional significance as it will be held alongside the "Busan V-Festival" in celebration of the United Nations-designated International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026.

Approximately 1,500 people are expected to attend, including distinguished guests from related organizations, 700 volunteers who served at the Games, and around 800 citizens participating in the festival.

The ceremony will begin with a pre-event performance, followed by the opening ceremony, a screening of a volunteer activity video, an awards presentation honoring outstanding contributors to the Games, and a declaration performance commemorating the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.

During the awards presentation, the Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City will present commendations to 32 outstanding volunteers who demonstrated exceptional passion and dedication in ensuring the safe and successful operation of the 2026 National Junior Sports Festival and Youth Para Games. The awards recognize the invaluable service provided by volunteers throughout the Games.

A sand art performance will also revisit the most memorable moments of the 2026 National Junior Sports Festival and Youth Para Games while artistically portraying the meaning of "Busan, a Volunteer City Built Together," the new vision for volunteerism in Busan during the second half of the year. The performance is expected to leave a lasting impression on participants.

In addition, beginning at 11:00 a.m., the 11th Busan V-Festival commemorating the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026 will be held in the first-floor lobby of Busan City Hall, providing visitors with opportunities to learn about and experience the value of volunteerism.

The festival will feature a wide range of programs and photo zones, including the Promotion Zone highlighting initiatives and best practices related to the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, the Sharing Zone featuring flea markets and donation activities, and the Experience Zone offering hands-on programs on disaster safety, environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality, lifelong learning, and health and welfare.

Nam Jeong-eun, Director General of the Sports Bureau of Busan Metropolitan City, said, "For the more than 23,000 athletes and officials who visited Busan from across the country, Busan will be remembered through the warm encouragement and welcoming smiles of our volunteers. You are the unsung heroes behind the safe and successful operation of the 2026 National Junior Sports Festival and Youth Para Games, and I extend my deepest gratitude to every volunteer for your dedication."