KT Wiz's Children's Day was not just a day for children's home fans. KT also provided unforgettable memories for children from NC away games, somewhat healing the hearts of the children who were unable to spend Children's Day at Changwon NC Park.
On the 5th (Children's Day), KT Wiz held a home game against the NC Dinos at Suwon KT Wiz Park. Originally, the venue was supposed to be Changwon NC Park, NC's home ground, but due to the prolonged safety inspection following the tragedy in which a spectator died after being struck by stadium structures at the end of March, the use of NC's home ground was indefinitely postponed. Therefore, the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced on the 2nd, just three days before Children's Day, that 'the location for the three-game series between NC and KT scheduled to be held at Changwon NC Park from the 5th to the 7th will be changed to Suwon KT Wiz Park.'
Children's Day in professional baseball is considered the second biggest event after the opening game among 144 games. Events tailored for children, selecting pitchers and fan signing events, and preparing gifts require a long time for planning, but in the case of KT, the sudden change in schedule made it an urgent situation. Amid this, the first priority for the KT front office was caring for the NC away children who could not spend Children's Day at their home ground.
After the game, KT included NC children in 'Kids Run BASS,' a ground experience event for children. A warm message displayed on the electronic scoreboard read, 'Children of NC Dinos, come down to the ground after the game and run together,' encouraging the NC children to participate. As a result, a scene of harmony unfolded where KT and NC children came together on the ground at Wiz Park.
In addition, KT also sang the national anthem alongside the NC child fans. Ten KT child fans selected through a draw and five NC child fans chosen by the NC marketing team sang the national anthem together, creating unforgettable memories on Children's Day.
It was not only KT that took care of the NC children. KT fans also posted a suggestion through the club's official app, 'Wizzap,' requesting, 'Please prepare events for NC child fans.' Although the KT organization faced challenges in preparing various events due to the sudden change in game schedules, they did their best to prepare events that would allow KT and NC children and family fans to create special memories.
A KT official told OSEN, 'There must have been many young fans who were disappointed not to enjoy home events on Children's Day. Children's Day is a day for children to be happy, and NC child fans are also fans of Korean baseball, just like KT child fans. I wanted to create an event where children could enjoy together a little, regardless of their cheering teams. I felt very fulfilled seeing the children from both teams enjoying themselves.'
Thanks to KT, who did not forget the NC child fans despite the sudden schedule change, the pain at Changwon NC Park was somewhat healed.
[OSEN]