Shin Heung-soo, president of Chosun University Graduates Association, said in an interview with The Korea Times Tuesday that graduate associations from four universities located in Gwangju would support the city’s bid to host the 2015 Summer Universiade. / Korea Times Photo by Shim Hyun-chul |
By Kim Jae-won
Staff Reporter
GWANGJU ― ``The Universiade is not just for university students. It is a golden opportunity to promote the city worldwide,'' Chosun University Graduates Association President Shin Heung-soo told The Korea Times in an interview in Gwangju, Tuesday.
But though the event stretches far beyond the realms of classrooms, lecture halls and university sports complexes, four of the city's graduates groups have emerged as central planks behind the bid to secure the festival for the provincial hub.
``Gwangju is the city of education. Chosun University and Chonnam National University have over 60 years of history.''
There are two more universities, Honam University and Gwangju University, in the southwestern South Korean city. A quartet of college graduate associations, which share 500,000 members, announced that they would support the city to host the 2015 Summer Universiade, Monday.
``Somebody says that there is no economic benefit from hosting the sports games, but I think we can impress the world by hosting the Universiade. It can improve the city's image globally. And, finally, it would return to us in many ways,'' said Shin, adding that the majority of Gwangju citizens backed the bid.
``We could not stay behind. We decided to do something for our city,'' Shin said, elevating the tone of his voice.
Chosun University Graduates Association said the strong influence of students in Gwangju's past runs in line with the spirit of the Universiade.
``The city has a unique tradition among students. It is the hub of student movements. High school students protested against the Japanese, who harassed a Korean girl in November 1928 during Japanese colonial rule,'' the association's general secretary Koh Jae-chung said. ``The spirit was rekindled during the 4.19 Students Movement against the dictatorial government and the 5.18 Pro-Democracy Movement. I think the independence spirit matches the ideal of the Universiade."
Shin, meanwhile, said when the inspectors visited last year to run the rule over the city's failed 2013 bid, Gwangju wasn't ready.
``Frankly speaking, we were not well prepared last year,'' admitted the 67-year-old chief director of Gwangdeok High-school ``But, now, everything is all set. We have modernized many sports facilities and accommodations. We can provide home stays to participating athletes if need be during the Universiade."
For his part, Koh pointed to the experience of Busan hosting the Asian Games in 2002 and Daegu staging the Summer Universiade in 2003 as evidence that South Korean regional governments are capable of running the international sports festival.
``The two cities are in the eastern part of South Korea. The western city can also host the event,'' the 56-year-old said.
Shin believes the part played by students in Korea's pro-democracy movements illustrates how they have proven leaders behind whom others will follow.
``The 5.18 Pro-Democracy Movement was a pure and voluntary uprising by students here against the military regime. Later, citizens followed the students,''' he said.
``It took decades for citizens to overcome the trauma, but now the world recognizes the spirit of the city.
``I hope the International University Sports Federation (FISU) evaluation committee acknowledges the city's spirit, as well as its sports facilities and infrastructure. We expect the federation to pick the city as the 2015 venue.''
Koh reckons Gwangju's democratic spirit could be the backbone of a successful event. ``I think democracy means respect for human beings. I hope Gwangju, the city of a pro-democracy movement, can spread the spirit all over the world. I expect the FISU evaluation team to feel the enthusiasm of the citizens for hosting the event," he said.
shosta@naver.com
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