Seoul Stake gathers Korean Christians for Fall sports festival

After a two-year pause, the Seoul West Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came together last weekend for a large-scale athletic event that emphasized unity over competition.

Held on September 20 at Namdong Neighborhood Park in Incheon, the “One Heart Fall Sports Festival” drew members from across the stake. Unlike traditional stake sports days that often highlight inter-ward rivalries, this year’s gathering was designed to foster harmony and friendship.

Organizers divided participants into five age groups—from Primary children to adults over 60—ensuring activities were tailored to each stage of life. This structure not only helped prevent overly competitive play but also encouraged inclusion of wards with fewer participants.

Hyungjin Kim, a high councilor from the Cheongna Ward who oversaw the event, said the focus was clear from the start: “We wanted to emphasize joy and fellowship rather than rivalry, and to help members of similar ages get to know each other better.”

Though morning rain raised concerns about cancellations, skies cleared in time for the games. “It was so much fun to play with friends my age and make new ones,” said Eunchae Lee of the Incheon 2nd Ward.

Adding a distinctive touch, each ward was assigned responsibility for designing activities for one age group, allowing programs to be customized while all five groups ran simultaneously in the expansive park. To relieve the burden on Relief Society sisters, the stake arranged meals for all attendees, enabling members to fully enjoy the day.

Stake President Woo Hyun Oh expressed gratitude for the volunteers who made the festival possible: “Thanks to the many members who served so diligently, our stake could enjoy a day of joy and unity. I hope it provided a much-needed break and a chance to strengthen one another.”

The event marked a return to large, stake-wide fellowship in Seoul West, blending tradition with a renewed emphasis on community and shared faith.