The PyeongChang 2018 bid committee is in Vancouver at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games outlining its vision for the 2018 Games at a press conference.
Senior members of the bid delegation at the press conference were Yang Ho Cho and Governor Jin Sun Kim, Co-Chairmen of PyeongChang 2018, Yong Sung Park, President of the Korean Olympic Committee, and So Hee Kim, South Korean Olympic gold and bronze medallist in Short Track Speed Skating.
They detailed how PyeongChang’s vision for the Winter Games will help stimulate the further growth of winter sports across Asia and how a Winter Games in PyeongChang can serve to spread the positive message of Olympism and the values of the Olympic Movement to a new, young and dynamic generation across the region.
Co-Chairman Yang Ho Cho said, “interest in winter sports is growing fast in Asia. Each year 1.5 million foreign tourists visit Korea to enjoy our winter activities and that number is increasing.
“With billions of people only a few hours from PyeongChang we are confident that this region will become Asia’s new winter sports centre. Our efforts will expand Olympic interest across our continent and will connect winter sports to millions of new hearts and minds”.
Co-Chairman and Governor Jin Sun Kim said, “we’ve worked very hard to keep our promises to the IOC and the Olympic Movement. And we’ve made all-out efforts to further advance our bid plan as shown in a more compact venue concept and venue facilities and infrastructure improvements.
“1.5 billion US dollars have been invested in the development of a new resort complex named Alpensia. This Alpensia Resort would take centre stage during the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
“Three more venues for ski jump, biathlon and cross country have been newly built. The IOC Hotel and Media Village have also been completed at the Alpensia Resort Complex. All the venues will be located within 30 minutes and connected via a totally integrated transport system.”
PyeongChang is making a third consecutive bid for the Games after losing twice on close final ballots. The Korean bid will submit an initial dossier to the IOC in March, and with much experience behind them, the bid team is expected to be accepted as a final candidate for the election July 6, 2011 in Durban, South Africa. Annecy, France and Munich, Germany are also in the running.
During its visit to the Vancouver Games, the PyeongChang 2018 delegation will participate in the official Vancouver 2010 Observer Programme and visit all sports venues.
