(ATR) IOC President Thomas Bach says one year from now it is Korea’s "moment to amaze the world."
Bach appeared via video message at the PyeongChang 2018 one year to go event in Gangneung. A ceremony featuring traditional and contemporary Korean music, along with top IOC and government leaders passed the official milestone threshold.
A gesture representing inviting the world’s National Olympic Committees to PyeongChang was set to traditional Korean music. As the performance continued, a procession of flags representing the countries that participated in the Sochi 2014 Games entered the arena signaling a welcome to Korea.
Acting Korean President Hwang Kyo Ahn and National Assembly leader Chung Sye Kyun spoke of the government’s support for the Games. The IOC was represented by PyeongChang 2018 Coordination Commission leader Gunilla Lindberg.
Ahn said today’s event was a "meaningful occasion where we can envisage the upcoming Winter Olympics." He spoke declaratively of his government’s support for the Winter Games, as Korea continues to operate under an interim government.
Previous president Park Geun Hye was impeached in December, after her involvement in a wide-ranging influence peddling scandal was uncovered. A constitutional court is currently reviewing the impeachment, and if Park is convicted she will be removed from office.
"The government is also firmly committed to delivering a Games that will go down in history as one of the most successful Olympics," Ahn said. "The government will beef up cooperation with the IOC as well as Japan and China the hosts of the forthcoming Olympic Games."
Kyun took support for the Games a step further, declaring that successful PyeongChang 2018 will "restore [Korea’s] national pride."
"We will have to do our best to enhance the brand image of Korea as well as boost our economy which represents a double achievement," Kyun said. "I hope that it will serve as an opportunity to bring our people together."
Bach, in a video presentation, said the preparations so far "would not be possible without the remarkable support of the Korean people." Bach proceeded to sign invitations for the 2018 Olympics at the desk of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic movement.
"Korea always keeps its promises," Bach said. "The IOC is truly delighted to work alongside our Korean friends; we are at your side for every step on this journey. I’m sure these Games will be a fantastic experience for everyone."
To close the ceremony Olympic gold medalist and Korean skating superstar Yuna Kim presented the PyeongChang 2018 torch to the public. The torch had previously been unveiled to media earlier in the day as part of a one year to go press conference. Kim handed the torch off to a group wearing the official torchbearer uniform to the iconic Queen song "We Are the Champions."
The final year of preparations of PyeongChang will have to leverage its successful construction to engage the Korean people and successfully connect the region to Seoul. Transit options to PyeongChang for international travelers remain limited to buses from Incheon Airport and from Seoul proper. A high speed rail link is due to open in November, cutting travel time significantly.
If the world is to come to PyeongChang, then the region must court them. One sport known for its international appeal, ice hockey, is still negotiating over the release of players from the National Hockey League in the United States. European National Olympic Committee leaders told ATR last week that they believed fans would still travel to watch the Olympic tournament even if the best players were not released. After Rio failed to meet foreign tourist numbers after the outbreak of Zika and its subsequent health scare, organizers are hoping for no such roadblocks for PyeongChang.
"PyeongChang is ready to welcome the world’s athletes," Lindberg said in her address in Gangneung. "Korea is ready to welcome the world. Now it is your time to make history."
Written by Aaron Bauerin Gangneung
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