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🇰🇷 South Korea /Good News

Parents Amazed as Children with Developmental Disabilities Learn to Play Handball

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • SK Innovation, its women's handball team SK Sugargliders, and Korea National Sport University are running a "Happy Dream Handball Class" for children with developmental disabilities.
  • The program, held weekly at special schools in Seoul and Daejeon, provides individualized training with professional coaches and volunteers to improve social interaction and self-efficacy.
  • This initiative aims to expand support for individuals with developmental disabilities beyond sports, with plans to include music and arts programs by 2030.

A unique handball program is bringing joy and development to children with developmental disabilities in South Korea. The "Happy Dream Handball Class," a collaboration between SK Innovation, its women's handball team SK Sugargliders, and Korea National Sport University, offers specialized, one-on-one training at special schools.

I was so surprised to see my child, who doesn't move much due to a disability, able to perform these actions.

— Parent of a studentDescribing her reaction to her child's participation in the handball class.

Parents have expressed deep gratitude, noting the positive impact on their children's physical abilities and confidence. "I was so surprised to see my child, who doesn't move much due to a disability, able to perform these actions," said one parent. The program addresses the challenge of providing individualized physical education in special schools, where teachers often manage multiple students with diverse needs.

Professional coaches from Korea National Sport University lead the sessions, with SK Innovation employees volunteering as assistants. Initially hesitant, the children have grown more engaged, initiating interactions with volunteers and even tidying up after themselves. The program fosters communication and teamwork through the sport, helping children develop daily living skills and a stronger sense of self-efficacy.

I was worried about my child's declining athletic ability because they don't move much due to a disability. I was grateful to see how much they could change with systematic teaching by experts and one-on-one training with volunteers.

— Parent of a studentExpressing gratitude for the program's impact on their child.

"For students with developmental disabilities, opportunities for interaction and experiences of accomplishment are important," explained Bae Geon-hwan, a research professor at Korea National Sport University involved in the program's development. "Handball, as a team sport, naturally encourages positive interaction."

The children felt proud seeing the kids run freely during class, relieve stress by throwing the ball, and gain confidence.

— SK Innovation employee volunteerSharing their experience as a volunteer in the handball class.

SK Innovation plans to expand the program to include more special physical education teachers and university students. They also aim to broaden their social contribution efforts to the arts, supporting aspiring musicians with developmental disabilities, with a goal of assisting 20,000 individuals by 2030.

For students with developmental disabilities, opportunities for interaction and experiences of accomplishment are important. Handball, as a team sport, naturally encourages positive interaction.

— Bae Geon-hwanResearch professor at Korea National Sport University, explaining the benefits of handball.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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