POSTED: 2012-02-13 01:02:12
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NIKKI WICKS / Sports Features Communications
LONDON: PyeongChang has upgraded its annual youth program to focus on nurturing young prospects for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Formed in 2004 as part of PyeongChang’s bid for the 2018 Games, the annual Dream Program invites young people from the countries where there is no winter season to take part in winter sports training and Korean cultural experiences.
Since it was launched in 2004, the Dream Program has welcomed approximately 947 Participants from 47 countries, with 12 athletes in 8 countries having gone on to compete as national team members in international winter sports events.
For this years event, the 12-day Dream Program will function as a professional training academy with the purpose of nurturing young potentials that might go on to compete in the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games as representatives of their own countries.
This year, around 143 young people from more than 30 countries, including African countries Nigeria, Kenya, Togo, 14 Asian countries, and six South American countries, are set to take part.
Commenting on the Dream Program, Gangwon Governor Moon Soon Choi noted, “The Program was conceived for Gangwon-do’s proposal package to the IOC for hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics. Today, it has grown into something bigger than initially envisaged, offering the world’s young adults new experiences and challenges”
“I sincerely hope that the Dream Program will reach even more people and will let them enjoy and love winter sports. I look forward to seeing you all in Gangwon-do in 2018.”
As part of the 2012 Dream Program, participants will take part in several core activities, including the Winter Sports Academy as well as friendship-building and cultural experiences. Alpine skiing, snowboarding, figure skating and speed skating are among the sports young athletes will able to tryout.
The sports events will take place at many of the venues that will host the Winter Games in 2018, including the Alpensia Resort and Gangnueng Indoor Ice Rink.
Next month the IOC coordination commission, led by IOC executive board member Gunilla Lindberg, will be visiting PyeongChang and the Olympic venues between March 19-23 to meet with organisation committee and inspect the start of the preparations for the Games.
For more information contact:
Laura Walden ()
Keir Radnedge ()
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