Jin Jong-oh and Lee Sang-hwa, co-organizers of the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games, called for public interest and support.
“We need the interest of everyone, not just athletes, to host a successful Games,” Jin and Lee said after a batting and throwing ceremony for the fourth game of the 2023 Baseball Korea Series (KS) at Katie Wise Park in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, on Nov. 11.
“We are making efforts to promote the Games,” Jin said, adding, “If the wishes of many people come together, we will be able to host a successful Olympic Games.”
“We are currently focusing on athletes’ accommodation, transportation, and meals,” Jin said, “with a particular focus on safety and epidemic prevention.”
“The problem of bedbugs is growing, and we will do everything we can to prevent them from spreading, so that young athletes can compete safely,” he added.
“It’s a bit disappointing because it would have been a great help in my athletic career if I had this competition when I was younger,” said Lee Sang-hwa, adding, “The Winter Youth Olympic Games will mean a lot to young athletes who dream of competing in the adult Olympic Games.”
The two co-chairs have made their mark on Korean sports history.
Jin Jong-oh, an active shooter, has won four Olympic gold medals, while Lee Sang-hwa, a former speedskating icon, has won two Olympic gold medals.
Lee’s world record in the women’s 500 meters (36.36), set in 2013, remains unbroken.
“We are athletes, but we have experience in various administrative roles,” said Jin Jong-oh. “We also have great support from the organizing committee, the Gangwon Provincial Office, and government agencies, which makes it easier for us to work as committee members.”
The Gangwon Winter Youth Olympic Games 2024 will kick off on January 19 and run through February 1 in Gangneung, Pyeongchang, Jeongseon, and Hwaseong, Gangwon Province.
More than 1,900 athletes from 80 countries will compete for 81 gold medals in 15 sports.
Notably, almost all of the events will be held in the same venues that were utilized for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. 파워볼사이트