PYEONGCHANG, Gangwon Province ― PyeongChang will make the 2018 Winter Olympics an “athlete-oriented games,” according to the head of the PyeongChang Olympics organizer.
“There are many important factors but I believe the most important thing is that we must create an athlete-oriented games and facilities. This is the essence of PyeongChang 2018,” said Kim Jin-sun, president of the PyeongChang Organizing Committee in a welcoming speech to the members of the International Olympic Committee on Tuesday.
PyeongChang Organizing Committee president Kim Jin-sun (second from left) speaks during a meeting with the IOC Coordination Commission in PyeongChang on Tuesday. (The PyeongChang 2018 Organizing Committee)
The 11-member IOC Coordination Commission, led by Gunilla Lindberg of Sweden, kicked off its three-day inspection of the city’s preparations on Tuesday.
Speaking to the IOC delegation at the Alpensia Convention Center, Kim said PyeongChang would ensure that all related systems create “an athletes-first games.”
“With this priority, we’re working hard, but our effort alone is not enough. We need advice and guidance from you,” Kim added.
Lindberg, who visited the city last year as the head of 2018 Evaluation Commission, said she believes PyeongChang would leave a “great legacy.”
“The 2018 Olympics will mark the 30th anniversary of the Seoul Olympics. This will allow Korea to showcase again to the world its remarkable organizational ability, the strength of its sports movement,” she said.
The IOC official added that the Games would be a unique opportunity for Korea to develop winter sports that are less practiced. “We will continue to support PyeongChang’s effort as we become one team with a common purpose to deliver fantastic games in 2018,” she added.
The delegation met Tuesday with local authorities, local organizing committee delegates and local government officials. On Wednesday, the IOC delegates are scheduled to check on a number of Olympic venues, including the Alpensia Resort where the biathlon, ski jump, cross country and sled events will take place.
By Oh Kyu-wook (596story@heraldm.com)
koreaherald@heraldcorp.com
