Kwak Young-bung, Suwon Baseball-Softball Association Chairman, Runs for Sports Council Director… Pledges Support for Personnel and Athletes

Kwak Young-bung, Chairman of the Suwon Baseball-Softball Association running in the Suwon Sports Council Director election, has pledged to provide administrative support to sports organizations, reorganize the sports council, and improve athlete support standards.

Chairman Kwak held a press conference on the 29th at the association's office within Suwon General Stadium, pointing out operational challenges for sports organizations and personnel shortages at the sports council while presenting detailed improvement plans.

He noted that only about 10 sports organizations have administrative staff, explaining that executive directors are handling tournament preparation alongside administrative tasks such as business plan writing and settlement procedures. He also raised concerns that budgets are being cut and lack of dedicated personnel is causing operational difficulties during tournament preparation.

As a solution, he proposed securing specialized administrative support personnel within the sports council and dispatching administrative and accounting staff to sports organizations. He also announced plans to increase the activity allowance for executive directors of sports organizations from 100,000 won to 300,000 won per month.

He also said he would pursue internal organizational restructuring of the sports council. Chairman Kwak revealed plans to create two new director-level positions handling administration and facilities to the current structure with one deputy director-level position. The plan is to broaden career paths for employees and secure necessary budget through consultation with Suwon City for new staff recruitment.

In the athlete development sector, he raised the issue of talented athletes leaving the region due to insufficient budget and school sports programs. He promised to establish a development system connecting school sports, youth and elite athletes, and workplace sports teams to expand the foundation for regional athletes' activities.

Standards for athlete meal support and competition vehicle support were also identified as improvement targets. Chairman Kwak stated he would adjust standards that do not fit field conditions through consultation with relevant authorities.

Chairman Kwak said, "I will build a development system connecting school sports, youth and elite athletes, and workplace sports teams so that athletes who have grown in the region can settle in Suwon."