By Lee Jon-young

 

President Yoon Suk-yeol attended a pre-Games reception for the Ganwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangneung, South Korea, where he met with IOC President Thomas Bach and greeted IOC members on Jan. 19. The President first talked with Bach, wishing him success for the Games and discussing sports.

 

"Sport is not only important for the well-being of the human community, but it is also key to building a nation's industry and capacity," the President said, referring to the book 'The British Empire was born on an Eton School soccer field'.

 

 

"For the future of the country, the right sports industry and policies must go hand in hand with the economy and industry," the president said, adding that the country has been emphasizing sports education in its educational curriculum and policies.

 

"The beauty of sports education is that you don't even realize you're being educated," said Bach, echoing the President's sentiments, "You can learn rules, you can learn to respect others in a fun way."

 

IOC President Bach responded to the President's statement that "there is nothing like sports to learn leadership through teamwork," saying that "even if it is an individual sport, you can learn together with your family, coaches, and medical staff."

 

 

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon mentioned the importance of the Olympic spirit and said that he would strive to support athletes and develop daily and elite sports.

 

Lee Ki-heung, President of the Korea Sports Federation, also thanked President Yoon for his full support in organizing the Games.

 

The President also welcomed Bach to Gangwon Province by presenting him with a lacquered glass vase by artist Kim Dong-wan depicting the mountains and nature of Gangwon Province. Mr. Bach then presented the President with the Olympic House Trophy to commemorate their meeting.

 

At the reception that followed, the President welcomed the delegates to Gangwon Province and said, "My government, Gangwon Province and the people of Korea have been working hard to make this Games, the first of its kind in Asia, a dream come true."

 

The President said the Games will be "a festive occasion for youths from different countries and different backgrounds to compete, exchange, and connect in a wonderful way," and called on "all of us to support our future generations so that they can challenge their limits and grow bigger through these Games."

 

President Yoon continued to say, "Gangwon Province has a beautiful natural environment and rich cultural infrastructure. I am confident that all of you will fall in love with the charm of Gangwon Province."

 

"We all wish for the successful hosting of the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympic Games, and I sincerely welcome you once again," the president concluded, adding, "Let us shine together!”

 
He supported the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympic Games, shouting “Grow Together, Shine Forever!" 

Taking the podium after the President, Mr. Bach thanked the President and the people of the Republic of Korea for their wonderful hospitality. He especially thanked the President for his commitment to the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympic Games, the IOC and sport and its values.

 

In his toast, Choi Jong-koo, President of the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Organizing Committee, thanked the guests for their generous support and offered a toast to the success of the Games.

 

At the reception, cream soup made with potatoes from Gangwon Province and Pyeongchang Korean beef tenderloin steak were served to give attendees a taste of Gangwon Province.

 

Meanwhile, the President wore a tie symbolizing the Olympic flag, a gift from the IOC during his meeting with Mr. Bach on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last September.