A meaningful event was held, wishing for the success of the 22nd Summer Universiade in Daegu. On July 6, 2003, the New Life Welfare Foundation’s 4th New Life Family Walkathon was held at Duryu Park in Dalseo-gu, Daegu, Korea. This walkathon was given the special title, “ ‘Love for Daegu’ Family Walkathon,” to wish for the success of the Daegu Summer Universiade. Over 30,000 Daegu citizens, including the Foundation members, took part in this event.
The Daegu Summer Universiade, a Festival for University Students All Around the World
The Daegu Summer Universiade is an international sports competition for university students around the world, organized by the International University Sports Federation [FISU]. It is a venue for developing university sports and strengthening international unity, and it will take place in Daegu and Gyeongsang North Province for 11 days from August 21. More than 6,000 athletes from 174 countries will compete in a total of 13 kinds of sports, which includes 10 regular sports such as athletics, swimming, and soccer, and 3 optional sports such as archery and Taekwondo.
Daegu City, which was selected as the venue, after winning out other competitive regions, is making every effort to make the Daegu Universiade a fruitful event. The New Life Welfare Foundation, which has been devoted to the local community through various volunteer activities such as giving out free meals at the Daegu subway arson disaster site, decided to contribute to the holding of the event that will become a festival for the world as well as for the locals. They planned to support the Universiade through the New Life Family Walkathon, which marked the beginning in 2002.
Wishing for the Success of the Daegu Summer Universiade
The 4th New Life Family Walkathon was held about a month before the opening of the Daegu Summer Universiade, wishing for the success of the games. The walking course was a total of 3 km [1.9 miles] from Daegu Technical University to Duryu Park Outdoor Auditorium. Despite a heavy downpour, the participants who wore raincoats over their pink T-shirts walked energetically. Marching with a large banner promoting the Daegu Universiade drew the attention of the residents.
The participants, regardless of age or gender, displayed their enthusiasm, and the walkathon ended in great success. Afterwards, the members gathered at Duryu Park and, wished for the success of the Universiade. While the atmosphere of the event became more ardent, the congratulatory performances of singers unfolded.
Wishing for a Competition Overflowing With Energy, Hopes, and Dreams
Distinguished guests from all walks of life, such as Executive President of the Daegu Universiade Organizing Committee Park Sang-ha, encouraged the Foundation members, and expressed their gratitude for the members’ fervent support of the Universiade. Chairwoman of the New Life Welfare Foundation Zahng Gil-jah delivered funds for the successful hosting of the Universiade. Those funds will be used to purchase admission tickets for the opening ceremony of the Universiade, and be provided to youths in need.
“Today’s event was organized to provide opportunities for cultural programs to young people in need and to bring the Daegu Universiade to success. I hope that this walkathon will revitalize the city of Daegu which has become somewhat depressed due to several recent tragedies.”Chairwoman of the New Life Welfare Foundation Zahng Gil-jah
Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah cheered on the success of the Daegu Universiade, and wished it would serve as an opportunity to convey dreams and hopes to the people of the world as well as the local residents and the youth. The members, who gathered to make a united effort to help others, were one in mind with the Chairwoman. The New Life Welfare Foundation will continue to serve as a private diplomat to help the successful hosting of the Universiade through various volunteer activities, enhancing the national prestige of Korea.