Seoul Superintendent Jung Keun-sik emphasizes cooperation and respect through school sports, urges expanded access for student athletes
Seoul Superintendent of Education Jung Keun-sik cheered on athletes competing at the 2026 Seoul World Youth Hockey Championship at a specially constructed venue in Jamwon Han River Park on Sunday, calling on participants to embrace the values of cooperation and respect through sport.
Jung said he hoped the tournament would serve not merely as a competition but as a stage for growth — one where student athletes could share experiences and set new goals for themselves. He said the process of respecting opponents and working in sync with teammates, even amid fierce competition, could become an important lesson for young people.
"I hope the sweat and the hours of challenge you pour onto the field today become a precious foundation as you move toward even greater dreams," he said.
Hockey carries particular educational value because teamwork and cooperation among players shape outcomes just as much as individual skill. Rather than focusing solely on wins, losses and statistics, the sport gives young people a chance to develop a sense of community and responsibility by working toward shared goals and pushing their own limits.
Jung also highlighted the role of school physical education as a vital foundation for students' healthy development and well-rounded learning. He said expanding opportunities for students to participate in a range of sports was essential, as doing so allows them to discover their aptitudes and potential while building confidence and a sense of responsibility.
He also expressed hope for a broader base of participation in youth hockey, saying that greater access to the sport — combined with more tournaments and exchange events involving schools and local communities — could help identify promising players, raise the level of competition and strengthen the bridge between recreational and elite athletics.
Jung said the tournament also held significance as an opportunity for domestic and international youth athletes to connect through sport and deepen their understanding of one another's cultures. The friendships and experiences forged on the field, he added, could lay the groundwork for future challenges on the international stage.
He urged the competing athletes to "cherish not only the outcome of the matches but also the experiences gained while preparing for the tournament and the time spent with fellow competitors." He added that sustained interest from schools and local communities was essential to the continued development of youth hockey and the growth of its players.
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