Health ministry hosts sports tournament for children in care

The health ministry said Monday it will host its 26th Dream Tree Sports Tournament from Aug. 10 to 12 at Honam University for more than 1,000 children in residential care and young adults preparing for independence.

First held in 1999, the tournament has continued annually except during the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers children living in residential facilities sports and cultural experiences and brings them together with young adults preparing for independence. Participants, including chaperones, will play preliminary, main-draw and final matches as regional teams in football, badminton and jump rope, alongside cultural programs.

At 3 p.m. on the opening day, the National Health Insurance Service will stage its "Cheer Up YOU+ in Gwangju" concert at Honam University's cultural gymnasium. The program will include performances by a national jump-rope demonstration team, the Oblige Ensemble of young adults preparing for independence, Saengdonggam Crew, Goonjo & Solbi, Lightsum and H1-Key. About 300 invited supporters, citizens and local residents are expected to attend.

"A child's healthy growth is possible only when medical care is accompanied by care, education, culture and social attention," said Kang Cheong-hee, chairman of the National Health Insurance Service. "We will be a reliable 'Sky Bandage' and stand with them in their dreams and future."

"Because the tournament is held in the summer heat, we will take great care to ensure children can complete the three-day schedule safely without injuries or accidents," Health Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong said. "We will strengthen related policies, including living support and self-reliance capacity building, so children in institutional care and young adults preparing for independence can grow and prepare for independence in a stable environment."