Sharing National Team Cheerleading Skills With People With Developmental Disabilities... Jeju High School Student Wins Minister's Award

【Financial News, Jeju = Jeong Yong-bok, Reporter】 A high school student from Jeju who has shared skills honed as a member of the national cheerleading team with people with developmental disabilities has received the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Award. The student’s work running weekly cheerleading classes to expand opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sports was selected as an outstanding youth practice.
Korea International School Jeju Campus (KIS Jeju) said on the 15th that 10th-grader Kim Ye-na won the top prize in the Youth Award Program Best Practices Contest at the “2026 Youth Award Program Gold Award Ceremony,” held the previous day in the Grand Conference Hall of the National Assembly Members’ Office Building in Seoul.
Kim Ye-na has competed in international events as a member of South Korea’s national cheerleading team. At an international cheerleading competition held in South Korea, Kim served as an emcee in English and as an interpreter, helping overseas teams and officials communicate.
The skills and experience gained through national-team activities led to community service. Kim has run weekly cheerleading classes for people with developmental disabilities, teaching basic physical activities, cheerleading moves and choreography. The talent-sharing volunteer work helps people with developmental disabilities try a new sport and exercise together.

In particular, the regular classes helped expand opportunities for people with disabilities to take part in leisure activities and recreational sports. The school said the award recognized the student’s sharing of experience gained at international competitions with the local community and consistent volunteer work.
The Youth Award Program is a system that supports young people in setting their own goals and experiencing personal growth by taking part in volunteer work, self-development, physical training and exploratory activities. It operates through programs such as the International Youth Achievement Award and the Youth Self-Challenge Award.
This year’s Best Practices Contest, organized by the Korea Youth Work Agency, selected a total of 45 entries across three categories: youth, award leaders and operating organizations. The Gold Award ceremony, held on the 14th, also included awards for outstanding practices and a sharing of young people’s achievements.
Kim plans to continue cheerleading activities with people with developmental disabilities and work to expand community exchange and participation through sport.


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