Fun, Laughter, and Friendly Rivalry: KSEA NC Chapter Hosts “2nd Triangle Sports Day” on October 5, 2024
On October 5, 2024, the North Carolina chapter of KSEA hosted its highly anticipated annual event, the “2nd Triangle Sports Day”, held at the picturesque Miller Field at NCSU, this fun-filled event brought the KSEA community together for a day of friendly competition, laughter, and great memories. With around 100 attendees, including KSEA members, families, and even 30 new faces, the event was brimming with energy. Everyone proudly represented their teams—Duke, UNC, and NCSU—and showcased their school spirit through their team colors. The name “The Triangle” wasn’t just a reference to the famous Research Triangle Park, but a nod to the friendly rivalry between the three universities that make up the heart of the area.
Games, Games, and More Games! The day kicked off with a classic Korean childhood favorite: Red Light, Green Light (“무궁화 꽃이 피었습니다”) that has gained international attention, particularly through its depiction in the Netflix series Squid Game. The joy on their faces was contagious, as everyone—from students to kids—revealed in the playful atmosphere. For those familiar with the hit show Squid Game, this game might ring a bell, as it was prominently featured in the series, though with far higher stakes! Fortunately, in this event, the only goal was fun and camaraderie, not survival, as participants cautiously moved forward when “Green Light” was called and froze instantly when “Red Light” was shouted.
The next game was called the Flipping Panel Game, where everyone from each school was split into two smaller teams, making six teams total, including some kids. The game was simple but super fun: each team picked either heads or tails as their side. When the whistle blew, the field turned into chaos as players ran all over, flipping the panels to show their team’s side. Everyone was moving fast, trying to beat the other teams. It was so exciting, with people running back and forth, flipping panels and trying to stay ahead. When the timer stopped, the team with the most panels showing their side won the game, celebrating with cheers and smiles.
Lunch with Korean Style Fried Chicken and a Side of Networking The afternoon truly hit its stride as everyone gathered for a mouth-watering picnic, filled with crispy Korean-style fried chicken, spicy Ddeok-bokki, savory fried rice, and a variety of other flavorful Korean dishes. Laughter echoed as attendees bonded over the delicious food, swapping stories and enjoying each other’s company. But the fun didn’t stop at the food—interactive raffles kept the energy high, with prizes adding a layer of friendly competition and excitement. Meanwhile, KSEA’s upcoming initiatives were showcased, encouraging everyone to get involved in future events. The perfect mix of irresistible food, lively conversations, and a welcoming atmosphere made it an unforgettable afternoon, strengthening connections and creating lasting memories.
Quizzes, Dodgeballs, and Footballs—Oh My! One of the crowd favorites was the O/X Quiz (true or false), where attendees had to dash to either the O or X side to answer school-related trivia. The mix of general knowledge and fun facts about Duke, UNC, and NCSU made it a thrilling, fast-paced game that tested both knowledge and reflexes! Only the one who survives took the top prize.
This year, we conducted two couple games, Couple Dodgeball and the Three-Legged Race, for singles, as many of our members are single and hoping for a little serendipity in finding a significant other. Participants paired up with members from different schools, offering a fun way to mix things up, meet new people, and keep the competitive spirit alive. This unique twist on the game not only brought out everyone’s competitive side but also encouraged new connections as players strategized and supported their teammates. The fast-paced action, filled with laughter and friendly competition, kept the energy high as teams dodged, ducked, and threw their way to victory. In the end, it wasn’t just about winning—it was about having fun and building bonds with new friends. Couples in the winner team only participated in the second couple game, Three-Legged Race. The Three-Legged Race proved to be one of the most entertaining events of the day. Some duos mastered the rhythm quickly, while others took a more lighthearted, wobbly approach. In the end, the race was not only about speed, but about the fun and teamwork shared along the way, creating a memorable and joyful experience for all involved. Only three couples were able to be awarded for their teamwork and efforts.
After the couple games, participants engaged in an exciting ultimate football match. Each team consisted of seven field players and three sideline players. The objective was to move the ball down the field by throwing or kicking it, with the team scoring if one of their sideline players gained possession of the ball. For safety, body blocking and tackling were strictly prohibited to avoid injuries. This activity not only energized the participants but also promoted teamwork, strategy, and collaboration in a fun and competitive environment.
A Finish to Remember The grand finale of the day? An exhilarating Relay Race that had everyone on their feet, cheering! Teams, including the kids, gave it their all, running their hearts out to win the top spot. The Relay Race was the perfect way to cap off the day’s events, bringing high energy and excitement to the field. Teams of eight, including children, lined up with the goal of passing the baton and sprinting to the finish line. Each participant gave their all, with spectators cheering from the sidelines, creating an atmosphere of fun and friendly competition. The race was filled with excitement as teams raced neck-and-neck, with some surprise comebacks adding to the thrill. In the end, the Relay Race showcased not just speed but also teamwork and determination, making it a fitting end
to an unforgettable day.
A Day to Remember
The 2nd Triangle Sports Day wasn’t just about the games—it was about bringing people together. From the nostalgic childhood games to the picnic and fun conversations, the event embodied the spirit of community and connection. And, thanks to the hard work of the KSEA NC Chapter organizing team, led by Dr. Sung-Ju Kim and Professor Donghwan Moon, it was a smashing success! As we packed up and said our goodbyes, there was one common theme in everyone’s feedback: “Can’t wait for next year!”
For more pictures, check out KSEA NC Chapter Homepage below:https://www.kseancchapter.org/nc-chapter-programevent/the-triangle-sport-day
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