More than 200 single-person household residents of all ages — from youth to seniors — gather Thursday; a community-proposed lifestyle sports project expands district-wide
When people run and laugh together, neighbors grow closer.
Gwanak-gu will host the "Gwanak Single & Mingle Sports Day," a first-of-its-kind athletic gathering for single-person households, at the Gwanak Community Sports Center (37 Nakseongdae-ro 3-gil) on Thursday.
The event traces its roots to a resident proposal that gradually spread across the entire district. It began in 2024 as a billiards and table tennis tournament for single-person households in Daehak-dong, and grew into a district-wide initiative after a "sports activity support project for building a social safety net for single-person households" was selected as a participatory budgeting project for 2026.
The district organized the event to help single-person households across generations — from young adults to middle-aged residents and seniors — connect with neighbors through recreational sports. About 200 single-person household residents will take part, including participants from lifestyle sports programs run by five community welfare centers across the district.
The sports day will open with a demonstration performance by local resident group Dream Nanta, setting an energetic tone for the day's varied program.
Participants will form mixed teams that cut across neighborhoods and age groups, taking part in welcome stretching, team-bonding missions, cooperative activities, and team competitions with cheering sections. The program centers on low-intensity, cooperative activities accessible regardless of age or fitness level, with an emphasis on teamwork and harmony over winning or losing.
The event will also spotlight a range of support policies and services available to single-person households. On-site booths will cover health, welfare and youth policy, offering practical services including body composition measurements, health consultations and mental health self-assessments. The event is open to all. For more information, contact the Gwanak-gu Office's Welfare Policy Division.
As the number of single-person households continues to rise, the district has consistently broadened its support to cover areas closely tied to daily life, including health, leisure and social connection.
The district plans to strengthen coordination among local institutions — including single-person household support centers, welfare centers and community service centers — so that the bonds formed at this event extend beyond a one-time gathering.
Drawing on the results of a "2027 Single-Person Household Support Policy Needs Survey," the district also intends to continue developing health and social-network programs tailored to the characteristics of different life stages.
"It is especially meaningful that a project born from a resident's suggestion has grown into a district-wide event where single-person households across Gwanak-gu can come together," Gwanak-gu District Mayor Park Jun-hee said. "Just as the name 'Single & Mingle' suggests, I hope this becomes a place where people can come alone, laugh and have fun together, and naturally meet their neighbors. We will continue to offer a wide range of support so that single-person households can enjoy a healthy daily life and stay connected within the community."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
