SK Innovation & SK Sugar Gliders Host Inclusive Handball Festival for Children with Developmental Disabilities
South Korean conglomerate SK Innovation demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility by hosting a joint sports festival focused on handball for children and adolescents with developmental disabilities.
SK Innovation announced on Thursday, November 28th, that a total of 300 participants, including 70 children and adolescents who recently completed a specialized handball program, took part in the ‘Handball Joint Sports Festival’ on November 26th. The event, held at the Gwangmyeong Citizen’s Gymnasium in Gwangmyeong-si, Gyeonggi-do, was a collaborative effort between SK Innovation, its women’s handball team SK Sugar Gliders, and Korea National Sport University.
The sports day commenced with opening remarks from SK NMove CEO Kim Won-ki, setting a positive tone for the event. Following the speech, attendees enjoyed an exhibition game featuring the SK Sugar Gliders players, followed by a friendly competition between students from special schools for the developmentally disabled. The festival culminated in a heartwarming medal ceremony recognizing the participants’ completion of the handball classes.
This initiative stems from a business agreement signed last April between SK Innovation, SK Sugar Gliders, and Korea National Sport University. The agreement focused on developing a handball education support project designed to improve the physical development and social adaptability of children and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Over the past year, the program delivered 104 handball classes across four special schools in Seoul and Daejeon.
The curriculum, integrated as a regular part of the schools’ physical education programs, is noteworthy as the first of its kind in Korea. According to educators, the program is uniquely tailored to address the specific needs and characteristics of children with developmental disabilities. Approximately 3,360 children and adolescents with developmental disabilities benefited from the classes, supported by 3,100 volunteers from across SK Innovation’s affiliates.
One-on-one coaching provided by SK Sugar Gliders players and dedicated volunteers proved particularly effective. Feedback from schools and parents highlighted significant improvements in the children’s emotional and physical functions. The financial resources for the handball classes were sourced through the ‘1% Happiness Sharing Fund,’ a program where SK Innovation employees voluntarily contribute 1% of their salaries.
“It was a meaningful time to wrap up this year and work hard with children with developmental disabilities to see their potential and potential,” a senior official stated. “Going forward, SK Innovation will do its best to support children and adolescents with developmental disabilities through handball classes, and other initiatives, so that they can gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment and leap forward into society.”
The company’s commitment extends beyond handball, with plans to leverage similar programs – such as the GMF – to further empower this community. This initiative underscores SK Innovation’s dedication to fostering inclusivity and creating opportunities for all members of society.
