KOREAN NET

This year's World Masters Athletics Championships (WMAC) will blend sports and Korean culture through events outside of stadiums in Daegu. (WMAC's official website)

By Uyen Nguyen

Over 10,000 recreational track and field athletes from 106 countries from Aug. 22 will compete in Daegu at this year's World Masters Athletics Championships (WMAC).

The opening ceremony is slated for Aug. 21 and the tournament will run through Sept. 3 in and around Daegu Stadium in the city's Suseong-gu District. A combined 11,225 people -- 7,522 athletes and 3,703 support staff -- from 106 countries will make this the largest in the event's history.

Now in its 26th year, WMAC is a global meet open to anyone aged 35 or older in age-specific categories spanning track and field as well as road races.

In addition, 402 interpreters fluent in English, Japanese, Chinese, German, Spanish and French and 844 volunteers will be deployed. Information desks are set up at major airports and rail stations, and free shuttle bus service and transportation cards for participants will help them get around the city.

The areas outside of stadiums will also host a summer festival blending sports, the city’s attractions and Korean culture. Under the theme "Athletes' Holiday in Daegu," side events include Korean culture experiences, live performances, food zones, flea market, and sports and picnic areas.

"We're ensuring thorough preparations so that athletes visiting Daegu from around the world face no inconvenience -- from arrival to transportation to the venues and their participation in the competition," said Jin Gi-hun, secretary-general of the event's organizing committee. "We will do our best to ensure a comfortable stay in Daegu for participants and that they enjoy the city."

uyen81@korea.kr