"We are seeking the future Park Tae-hwan and Son Yeon-jae."

Jeonbuk National University (JBNU)'s Sports Gifted Program Group, which identifies and develops gifted athletes who will lead the future of Korean sports, is recruiting candidates for its 2013 sports gifted program.

Applicants must be students in grades 2 through 6 at elementary schools within the province who have no history of being registered as athletes with the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee and who have received a recommendation from their school principal or head of physical education.

The program will recruit a total of 40 students: 10 gymnasts and 15 swimmers from the Jeonju area, and 15 track and field athletes from the Gunsan area. Approximately 10% of the selected places will be reserved for applicants from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until April 10, 2013. A first evaluation on April 13, 2013 will select twice the number of candidates, and a second evaluation and parent interviews on April 20, 2013 will determine the final selections.

Inquiries and applications should be directed to the Sports Gifted Center by phone (270-2849) or online (http://home.chonbuk.ac.kr/sportsman).

Selected gifted athletes will receive a variety of programs, including twice-weekly practical training by dedicated gifted coaches, sports English taught by native speakers, character education, sports science education such as exercise physiology and sports psychology, and integrated education. The aim is to nurture them as future national athletic talent.