Late author Jeon Gyeong-cheol's dream of a foundation for severely disabled adults drives the event; actor Lee Jong-hyeok to throw ceremonial first pitch
The Yang Jun-hyuk Sports Foundation will host its "Hope Plus Charity Baseball Tournament" on Nov. 28 at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.
Now in its 14th year, the tournament will be held in partnership with the Peter Pan Foundation Establishment Preparatory Committee, the foundation said Friday. Former baseball stars including Yang Jun-hyuk and Woo Ji-won will take part, with actor Lee Jong-hyeok throwing the ceremonial first pitch. Current and former professional baseball players, including Choi Jun-seok and Choi Ji-man, will also compete.
The Peter Pan Foundation grew out of the final dream of the late author Jeon Gyeong-cheol, widely known as "Peter Pan's Dad." Jeon gained public attention through MBC's "Silhwa Tamsadae," a real-story investigation program, and tvN's "You Quiz on the Block," where he shared his daily life caring for his son, who has severe autism. Jeon had spoken openly of his wish to build a "Peter Pan's Neverland" — a permanent home where his son could continue to live after Jeon was gone.
Through the tournament, the foundation plans to raise awareness of the Peter Pan Foundation's mission while drawing public attention and support for the independence and housing needs of people with severe developmental disabilities.
Yang Jun-hyuk Sports Foundation Chairman Kim Dae-jin said the establishment of the Peter Pan Foundation "carries meaning in that it highlights the need for a social safety net to support the independence and dignified lives of people with disabilities." Kim added that the foundation "plans to use this tournament to convey the values of sharing and solidarity that sport embodies."
Kim said he hoped the baseball tournament would "serve as an opportunity to draw attention to issues our society must grapple with together," and pledged to work to spread awareness of the Peter Pan Foundation's values and goals so that "social attention continues to reach the reality faced by people with severe developmental disabilities and their families."
mkkang@heraldcorp.com
