Uiwang City Names Final Winners of 28th Citizens' Awards

[Suwon Ilbo=Correspondent Seo Dong-young] Uiwang City held the 28th Citizens' Awards Merit Review Committee on the 4th and made final selections of four model citizens from different sectors who have contributed to the development of city administration as recipients of the Citizens' Awards.

The Uiwang Citizens' Award is presented to citizens who have made outstanding achievements through dedicated service and contribution to civic harmony and regional development. It is the most prestigious award given by the city.

From July 15 to August 11, applications were accepted in six categories (Social Service, Filial Piety, Sports, Culture & Arts, Education, Environment & Health, and Regional Development), resulting in 13 applicants from four fields.

The winners of this year's Citizens' Awards are Park Chul-woong (57, male; Buddhist name: Seonghang) in the Social Service category, Sim Sang-ho (60, male) in the Sports category, Kim Je-geun (67, male) in the Education, Environment & Health category, and Choi Byung-ha (60, male) in the Regional Development category.

The selected Citizens' Awards winners will be presented with their awards at the Citizens' Day commemorative ceremony on the 6th of next month.

Park Chul-woong, head priest of Cheonggyesa Temple and winner in the Social Service category, has devoted special attention to the welfare of people with disabilities, operating Nokwhangwon, a facility for the severely disabled, for 20 years. He also operates Hope Wing Welfare Center for the Disabled and manages the disabled day care program. He was recognized for his consistent support and assistance as a reliable companion for people with disabilities, helping them stand as members of the local community.

Sim Sang-ho, winner in the Sports category and chairman of the Uiwang City Swimming Association, has revitalized swimming clubs in Uiwang City since 2003 and supported students participating in the National Youth Sports Festival and National Sports Games, bringing honor to Uiwang City. He has also contributed to the development of sports in Uiwang City, winning overall championships in sports competitions hosted by Gyeonggi Province.

Kim Je-geun, winner in the Education, Environment & Health category, is president of the Bugok Elementary School Alumni Association and a founding member of the Bugok Scholarship Foundation. He has raised funds and provided scholarships to students with excellent academic and artistic/athletic achievements. He has also supported projects at elementary, middle, and high schools in the region and local culture clubs, making efforts to improve the educational environment in the area.

Choi Byung-ha, winner in the Regional Development category, has resided in Uiwang City for 32 years and served as a Ministry of Justice Legal Volunteer, Uiwang City Police Citizen, and Naeson 2-dong Residents Autonomy Committee member, contributing to youth protection, citizen safety, resolving residents' grievances, and community development.