Dear distinguished guests from both home and abroad, esteemed participants and officials, it is a great pleasure to welcome you.
First and foremost, we are delighted to host the "18th Yisunsin Cup International Yacht Race" here in Tongyeong, a place where the indomitable spirit of General Yi Sun-sin, the national hero, resides.
Congratulations on the opening of the 18th Yisunsin Cup International Yacht Race, a prestigious event that stands as a testament to Korea's rich maritime tradition and its significance as the leading keelboat competition in the country. The Yisunsin Cup International Yacht Race has become a hallmark event eagerly anticipated by yachtsmen nationwide, embodying both the spirit of competition and camaraderie among sailors.
This year, the race serves not only as a competition but also as a celebration marking the conclusion of the sailing season.
I hope you all enjoyed a fulfilling sailing season this year. If you encountered any challenges, we are here to support you, encouraging you to showcase your skills to the fullest in this competition and to finish the season on a high note. Above all, may favorable winds guide us throughout this event.
On behalf of Yachtsmen, we would like to thank Gyeongsangnam-do Governor Park Wan-soo, Gyeongsangnam-do Provincial Council Chairman Choi Hak-beom, National Assembly member Jeong Jeom-sig of Tongyeong and Goseong, Tongyeong Mayor Cheon Young-gee, Tongyeong City Council Chairman Bae Do-soo, and all other stakeholders who supported us both financially and spiritually in preparation for this competition.
In 2024, Gyeongsangnam-do successfully hosted a range of yacht competitions, including the Korea Coast Guard's Chief's Cup, the Tongyeong City Sailing Federation's Chief's Cup, and the National Sports Festival Yacht Race. These events attracted yachtsmen from across the country, stimulating the local economy and providing exciting water leisure sports activities for residents. I take pride in the various opportunities that have been created and the infrastructure that has been enhanced.
Despite facing challenging conditions and significant obstacles each year, we are proud to celebrate the 18th anniversary of the Yisunsin Cup International Yacht Race. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere congratulations and gratitude to the officials from the city, county, and district yacht federations of Gyeongsangnam-do, including the Gyeongsangnam-do Sailing Federation and the Tongyeong City Sailing Federation.
In particular, I want to acknowledge the exceptional leadership of Gyeongsangnam-do Sailing Federation Chairman Lee Sang-seok, who has been a driving force behind the development of yachting in our region Senior Vice Chairman Lee Ji-yeon, who has meticulously managed various projects both internally and externally and Executive Director Park Jeong-seo, who has diligently overseen our operational efforts, along with the entire secretariat for their hard work.
We look forward to supporting the continued growth of the Yisunsin Cup International Yacht Race and the ongoing development of yachting in Gyeongsangnam-do.
Thank you.