Amendment to sports promotion ordinance passes full council session

Seoul to draw up annual sports promotion implementation plan

Expanded support for marginalized groups; age-tailored programs

An amendment to Seoul's sports promotion ordinance, sponsored by Choi Won-seon, vice chairwoman of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, passed a plenary session of the 339th extraordinary session on Friday. Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Council
An amendment to Seoul's sports promotion ordinance, sponsored by Choi Won-seon, vice chairwoman of the Seoul Metropolitan Council's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, passed a plenary session of the 339th extraordinary session on Friday. Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Council

Seoul has enshrined a "right to sport" in city law, guaranteeing residents access to physical activity regardless of age, economic status, social circumstances or geographic location.

The Seoul Metropolitan Council said an amendment to the city's sports promotion ordinance, sponsored by Choi Won-seon, vice chairwoman of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee and a People Power Party proportional-representation member, passed the plenary session of the 339th extraordinary session on Friday.

The amendment is designed to broaden residents' opportunities to participate in sports and strengthen the city's support framework, reflecting a changed policy environment following the enactment of the Framework Act on Sports.

The right to sport is defined as every citizen's right to participate freely in sports and physical activity without discrimination and to enjoy the benefits thereof. Under the revised ordinance, the Seoul mayor must establish support measures for residents excluded from physical activity due to economic, social or geographic constraints.

The amendment also includes provisions to strengthen the continuity and effectiveness of sports policy. Seoul will be required to draw up and implement an annual sports promotion plan in line with the national master plan.

Programs for senior citizens and youth have been newly added to the scope of community sports promotion projects. Programs operated or supported by the city can also be tailored to the physical characteristics of different age groups.

A new provision allows Seoul Sports Day to be linked with "Sports Day" and "Sports Week" under the Framework Act on Sports, with the aim of boosting the impact of public participation events and raising awareness of community sports.

"This amendment establishes a legal safety net so that all residents can enjoy sport as a fundamental right, free from the constraints of age or circumstance," Choi said. "I will keep a close eye on sports policy as a whole to ensure that age-tailored programs for seniors and youth, and support for marginalized groups, translate into real change on the ground."


7toy7@heraldcorp.com