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| Photo: Provided by the Korea Handball Federation |
The federation said on March 23 that it teamed with the Busan Facilities Corporation to stage the Ma-eum-ui Pass program at Gijang Gymnasium in Gijang County, Busan, on March 21, drawing strong support from the local community.
Ma-eum-ui Pass — Are You OK? was organized in partnership with the Busan Facilities Corporation to address youth mental health issues such as depression and bullying by using sport as a vehicle for communication and support.
Roughly 100 elementary students from Busan joined current handball players and professional mental-health coaches for a day of activities designed to promote connection through sport.
The program included several hands-on segments. Specialists from the Korea Stress Association led a session that helped students recognize their emotional states and learn how to \"recharge\" their mental batteries. The coaches taught practical strategies for managing everyday stress and building healthier minds and bodies.
In a cheer workshop that followed, H League cheerleaders taught upbeat routines set to H League chants. Students worked up a sweat, shouted slogans together, and used the session to release tension and boost energy.
The crowd perked up when H League players stepped forward as guest speakers. Ryu Eun-hee and Lee Hye-won of the Busan Facilities Corporation, both active in the Shinhan SOL Bank 25–26 Handball H League, spoke frankly about persevering through hardships on their journeys to becoming national-team and professional players — stories that resonated deeply with the youngsters.
\"Competing on the court matters, but sharing our hearts with kids through handball and giving them positive energy is truly meaningful,\" Ryu said. \"I hope today’s session offered a small comfort and gave students the strength to get back on their feet amid academic and daily pressures.\"
Many students hesitated at first when handling a handball for the first time, but they stuck with it and actively joined the experience. They also formed strong bonds, cheering passionately for their mentors Ryu and Lee.
\"Sometimes I feel trapped in my thoughts and didn't know what to do,\" one student said. \"After today's talk, I realized I should share my feelings. Running on the court with my friends made my stress disappear. I want to have the kind of strong, never-give-up mindset the handball players have.\"
About 100 parents who attended with their children said they were pleased to see the kids so bright and energetic. The Korea Handball Federation noted the positive response from participants and the community and said it will deepen cooperation with H League clubs and local governments to keep the program growing.
A federation official added, \"Handball is a team sport built on passing between teammates, so we designed this campaign to help young people break down emotional walls and learn to communicate through physical activity. After confirming strong support from the community and youth in Busan following our first event in December, we'll continue working closely with H League hometown municipalities and clubs so Ma-eum-ui Pass can become a leading sports-based social outreach model that supports healthy youth development.\"
[Sports Today reporter Lee Sang-pil sports@stoo.com]
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