The Korean Red Cross on Friday presented scholarships of 5 million won each to 11 promising para-athletes who have continued training despite financial hardship. Secretary General Park Jong-sul (far left) poses with attendees at the presentation ceremony. [Korean Red Cross]
The Korean Red Cross on Friday presented scholarships of 5 million won each to 11 promising para-athletes who have continued training despite financial hardship. Secretary General Park Jong-sul (far left) poses with attendees at the presentation ceremony. [Korean Red Cross]

The Korean Red Cross on Friday awarded scholarships of 5 million won ($3,590) each to 11 promising para-athletes who have continued training despite financial hardship, the organization announced Monday.

Recipients range in age from 9 to 24 and were selected from candidates recommended by the Korea Paralympic Committee through a review committee screening process.

The young athletes compete across a range of disciplines — swimming, badminton, athletics, goalball, taekwondo and snowboarding. Among them are competitors who have excelled at the National Sports Festival for Students with Disabilities, as well as athletes who have branched out into new sports after making their mark in their original events.

The scholarships were funded through donations from Crea Studio and the Yonsei University student council, among others. Of that total, 50 million won donated by Crea Studio was raised through text-vote proceeds from an entertainment program.

"We hope these scholarships will help talented young people realize their dreams, even in a small way," Secretary General Park Jong-sul said. "The Korean Red Cross will continue to develop various forms of support so that these rising stars in sport can take flight."

Meanwhile, the Korean Red Cross has supported talented young people in sports, culture and the arts since 2020, when it launched the Hope Leader "ajeossi" project in partnership with TRN Co. Subsequent initiatives have included the "Thank You 1004 Scholarship" campaign and the "National Athletes Are National Athletes" talent support project, all aimed at helping gifted youth pursue their dreams despite financial hardship.


thlee@heraldcorp.com