100 spots open to residents aged 19 to 39, first-come, first-served
The city of Hanam is organizing a lighthearted sports festival exclusively for young residents, giving them a chance to set aside the pressures of job hunting and daily life and let loose.
Hanam announced Thursday that it will hold the "2026 Youth Cheerful Sports Festival" on Sept. 19 at the indoor gymnasium of the Hanam Youth Training Center.
Timed to coincide with Youth Day, observed on the third Saturday of September each year, the event is designed as a "healing pause" — a chance for young people to shake off the stress of school and work, mingle with peers and rediscover the carefree energy of their student days.
The inaugural edition last year drew a strong response, featuring a photo-zone event with Hanam's official mascot "Banguri," icebreaker activities, and team-building games such as tug-of-war and giant ball rolling.
This year, a group called "Youth Mates" — made up of honorary youth mayors and youth policy advisers — has been involved from the planning stage, weaving fresh, youth-driven ideas throughout the program.
The lineup will center on connection over competition, with recreational activities, festival-style games and quiz events designed to encourage mutual support and open communication.
The festival runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 19 and is open to 100 participants between the ages of 19 and 39. Young people who took part in Hanam's youth policy programs this year will be given priority in selection.
Registration opens Thursday and runs through Sept. 15 via an online Naver form. Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and may close early once capacity is reached.
"Carrying on the warm energy from last year, when young people came together with bright smiles, we have once again created a space where youth can freely channel their energy," Mayor Lee Hyeon-jae said. "We hope many young people will take an interest and join us to build joyful memories with their peers and recharge their everyday vitality."
Further details are available on the Hanam city government's official website under the public notices section.
pjh@heraldcorp.com
