A cooperation agreement was signed between the Sohn Kee-jeong Memorial Foundation and Jeonbuk State to work toward hosting the Jeonju Summer Olympics

at Sohn Kee-jeong Sports Park in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 8th.

 

 

 

This agreement was signed to commemorate the 89th anniversary of Sohn Kee-jeong’s gold medal victory at the Berlin Olympics, while also laying the groundwork for Jeonju’s bid to host the Olympics ahead of the centennial of his historic achievement in 2036.

 

 

 

The Sohn Kee-jeong Memorial Foundation is a non-profit foundation established in 2005 to honor and carry forward the sporting spirit and patriotic legacy of Sohn Kee-jeong, the gold medalist in the marathon at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. It undertakes a range of commemorative, educational, and cultural activities, including marathon events, awards for athletes, educational programs for youth, and the operation of a memorial hall.

 

 

 

Through this agreement, the two organization have committed to closely collaborate across a variety of areas, including promoting the Olympics bid, building international consensus, jointly developing symbolic content, engaging in outreach to key figures, and co-hosting forums and campaigns. In particular, the symbolic content celebrating the year 2036, the centennial of Sohn Kee Jeong’s gold medal will serve as a key asset in Jeonju’s Olympic bid activities.

 

 

 

Prior to the event, the agreement signing ceremony took place in the main conference hall of the Sohn Kee-jeong Memorial Hall, Governor Kim Gwan-yeong and Kim Seong-tae, chairman of the Sohn Kee-jeong Memorial Foundation signed the agreement. Then, the event included a wreath-laying ceremony followed by a commemorative photo in front of the Sohn Kee-jeong statue. In addition, the statue was erected in 2016 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of marathoner Sohn Kee-jeong’s victory and a bas-relief was added in 2022 to mark the 110th anniversary of his birth,

 

 

 

Jeonbuk State plans to step up efforts to rally public support both at home and abroad based on a systematic and symbolic promotional strategy through this agreement, In the Olympic bidding process, the symbolism and cultural assets of the Sohn Kee-jeong Memorial Foundation are expected not only to enhance international credibility but also to significantly elevate Jeonju’s brand value.

 

 

 

Governor of Jeonbuk State, Kim Gwan-yeong emphasized that Sohn Kee-jeong is a great hero who safeguarded the pride of the Korean people, and that Jeonju seeks to carry forward his spirit in its aspiration to become an Olympic city that captures the attention of the world. He further told that the agreement with the Sohn Kee-jeong Memorial Foundation represents the first step combining both symbolism and practical momentum for the Olympic bid.“

 

 

 

Governor Kim added that Jeonbuk province will steadfastly pursue the path toward hosting the Jeonju Summer Olympics, in close cooperation with the government, the National Assembly, and the Korean people.