Photo by HUR TAE JOON
For as long as he can remember, Sangjin Kim loved football. Growing up in Korea, much of his free time was spent on the pitch. But in 2022, his passion for the sport took on a new meaning when he joined Tove FC, a football club for athletes with intellectual disabilities. That decision marked the beginning of his journey as a Unified partner and, eventually, as a leader within Special Olympics.
When Sangjin first joined, the coach at Tove FC wanted to create a Unified Football team, pairing athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same side. Sangjin immediately stepped in.
Youth Empowered, Leaders Inspired: Sangjin Kim
“We met every Friday on the ground to practice. My favorite memory was when one of our athletes scored for the first time. We were all so happy and we celebrated together.”
That same year, Sangjin and his teammates competed in the Special Olympics Korea International Unified Game. It was his first taste of Unified Sports, and it left a lasting impression.
In the beginning, some questioned whether Unified teams could truly work. Many people doubted if athletes with intellectual disabilities could play football at the same level. Sangjin quickly realized those doubts came from a lack of exposure, not ability.
“Those who play alongside individuals with intellectual disabilities understand they can fully participate and contribute. The answer is opportunity. Athletes can do well if they are given a chance.”
Seeing his teammates thrive on the field sparked Sangjin’s deeper commitment to inclusion. He joined the Korea Athlete Leadership Council (KALC) and the 9th Youth Innovation Project as a Unified Partner Leader, where he worked to raise awareness and support for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Through these opportunities, Sangjin witnessed how friendship and teamwork could change lives, including his own. His friends began to see athletes with intellectual disabilities differently, with more respect and curiosity. What started as a love for football transformed him into a leader, an advocate, and a friend.
In October 2023, Sangjin took another step forward. He joined Special Olympics Korea as a staff member in the sports department.
“When I plan an event, my goal is simple, I want participants to feel happy and enjoy. After all the hard work, when I see their smiles and pride, that gives me energy.”
For Sangjin, inclusion comes down to one word, understanding.
“To include someone, first we need to understand them. My Special Olympics teammates became my friends.”
Today, Sangjin continues to create opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to lead, compete, and shine. Supported by mentors, colleagues, and teammates, he is determined to use his experiences, on and off the football field, to build a more inclusive future.
“With them, I learned leadership, inclusion, teamwork. Every moment is special for me.”
