Inline skating enthusiasts from across the country gathered for a recreational sports festival that bridged generations.
Cha Du-yeon, known as the "Busan Seagull Grandma," kept up her spirited racing at 81.
The Korea Roller Sports Federation hosted the 16th Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister's Cup National Lifestyle Inline Speed Skating Competition at the Jecheon Indoor Roller Skating Rink in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, over two days on Saturday and Sunday.
Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the National Sports Promotion Foundation, the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, Jecheon city and the Jecheon City Sports Council, and organized by the North Chungcheong Province Roller Sports Federation and the Jecheon City Roller Sports Federation, the event brought together competitive inline speed skaters and recreational enthusiasts from across the country in an inter-regional team competition.
The competition drew participants from several age-based divisions — the under-12 (elementary) and under-15 (middle school) categories for development-track athletes, as well as the under-18 (high school), university and open divisions for recreational participants. The track saw a wide range of ages, from young development skaters to adult and elderly recreational enthusiasts.
Races were held on the 200-meter track at the Jecheon Indoor Roller Skating Rink, where competitors showcased skills honed through training. Beyond the rankings, the event served as a gathering place for skaters and enthusiasts from around the country to connect and enjoy the sport together.
Among the standout stories of the competition was the performance of Cha Du-yeon, 81, of the Busan Metropolitan City Roller Sports Federation — affectionately known as the "Busan Seagull Grandma."
Cha finished second in the 500m+D event, demonstrating undiminished passion and skill well into her eighties.
Cha made history in March when she became the first athlete in the federation's history to receive the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee's Sports Award for Excellence, leaving a landmark record in the roller sports community. She has consistently trained and competed in inline skating events, embodying the values of healthy aging and lifelong sports participation through recreational athletics.
Cha also won the oldest-participant award at the National Recreational Sports Festival's inline skating competition in both 2024 and 2025, two consecutive years of recognition for her continued involvement. Her energetic performance at this year's event drew enthusiastic applause from fellow competitors and officials alike.
The Korea Roller Sports Federation plans to use the competition as a platform to develop young athletes while expanding the reach of recreational inline skating to adults and the elderly, and to strengthen exchanges and camaraderie among regional teams.
"This competition is especially meaningful because skaters from children to people in their eighties can enjoy roller sports on the same track," federation President Kim Kyung-seok said. "We will continue working to promote recreational sports and expand opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy roller sports and lead healthy lives."
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