Asian Para Games Conclude... President Lee: "Every Athlete Representing Korea Is a Winner"

Lee: "Deep respect and applause for our athletes who gave their all"

President Lee Jaemyung said on the 24th, “The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games have come to a close,” adding, “I offer my deep respect and applause to our athletes, who gave their all representing the Republic of Korea.”

President Lee Jaemyung and First Lady Kim Hyekyung wave to the athletes entering the stadium during the opening ceremony of the 107th National Sports Festival at Jeju World Cup Stadium on Oct. 16, 2026. Yonhap News Agency

In a post that day on his X (formerly Twitter) account, President Lee said, “Every athlete who overcame impossibilities and limitations is a winner,” and added, “Regardless of the color of the medals or the wins and losses, the challenges and passion you showed were deeply moving in themselves.”

He continued, “As the athletes said, they hoped their challenges would give someone courage, your efforts have made our society reflect on its prejudices and barriers and have inspired many more people. I also thank everyone across the country who sent such passionate support.”

President Lee emphasized, “The government will work harder to build a warm society where disability is not a barrier and people with and without disabilities respect one another and live together. Our athletes, you have all worked so hard. Every one of you is a source of pride for the Republic of Korea.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.