Lawmakers and Sports Leaders Discuss Strategies for Financial Independence of Sports Organizations

A high-level forum focused on the financial independence of sports organizations and the expansion of national sports welfare took place at the Grand Auditorium of the National Assembly Library on the 13th.

The event was hosted by the office of Jeon Hyun-hee, Senior Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, and organized by the Medias People's Policy Group.

In her congratulatory remarks, Jeon Hyun-hee stressed the importance of expanding sports systems that cater to seniors and nurturing an environment where all citizens can enjoy physical activity in their daily lives. She expressed hope that this forum would serve as a meaningful starting point for advancing sports health and welfare nationwide.

Choi Soo-man, President of the Medias People's Policy Group, underscored the need for institutional reforms in the sports sector. He conveyed the expectation that policy suggestions from those in the field would lead to substantial changes in laws and regulations, resulting in tangible improvements.

Lawmakers Im Oh-kyung from the Democratic Party of Korea and Kim Jae-won of the Korea Innovation Party, along with Yoo Seung-min, President of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, attended the forum. They agreed that institutional and legislative backing is essential to ensuring sports policies become entrenched on the ground.

Key agenda items discussed included improving the donation system to support the stable management of sports organizations, revising laws to establish a sustainable ecosystem for sports groups, promoting regionally centered sports cities and industry hubs, and the necessity of policies to preserve sports heritage.

The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee proposed three key legislative needs: amending laws to secure donations, revising the Sports Industry Promotion Act, and fostering local sports development through the use of "Hometown Love Donations."

Yoo Seung-min stated, "To enhance public health, quality of life, and social integration, it is crucial to expand transparent management of donations and strengthen the institutional foundation. We will actively work to stabilize the finances of member organizations and improve the working conditions of athletes and coaches."

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Yonhap News