Page 19

PyeongChang 2018 marks 500 days to goOn 27 September, Korean pop stars, opera singers and Olympians joined celebrations marking the 500-day countdown to the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 with festive events in Seoul and in the host region of Gangwon Province.“Thanks to the strong support of the Korean people and authorities, PyeongChang is on course to deliver truly cutting-edge Olympic Winter Games,” said IOC President Thomas Bach in a video message to the celebrants. “The momentum is building, and in 500 days, the world will connect to the passion and energy of Korea.”PyeongChang 2018 receives 91,000 volunteer applicationsThe PyeongChang 2018 Organising Committee (POCOG) has ended its volunteer recruitment drive after receiving four times more applicants than the number of volunteers needed. More than 91,000 candidates from 145 countries offered to help POCOG deliver successful Games. POCOG expects to select around 22,000 volunteers to assist with a variety of tasks, from medical services to helping spectators find their seats at venues.PYEONGCHANG 2018 ON COURSE FOR WINTER TEST EVENTSIn October, the IOC’s Coordination Commission for the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 wrapped up its seventh visit pleased with the progress of venue construction. The commission, led by IOC Member Gunilla Lindberg, assessed every aspect of Games preparations during three days of venue visits and collaborative discussions with the PyeongChang 2018 Organising Committee (POCOG). The Games organisers reported that, on average, the new venues in PyeongChang and nearby Gangneung are 90 per cent complete in advance of 26 test events scheduled between November 2016 and April 2017. PyeongChang will host the mountain events, while Gangneung will host the indoor sports.“We saw first-hand the progress of the construction projects,” Chair Lindberg said at a closing news conference with POCOG President Lee Hee-beom. “There is no doubt that the venues will be ready for the upcoming test events.”President Lee also expressed satisfaction with the visit, calling it “a productive three days”. He added: “Based on thorough preparation, we will strive to provide the best service to all participants.” He also announced that PyeongChang 2018 will launch ticket sales in conjunction with the one-year-to-go milestone celebration in February 2017.NEWS IN BRIEFSchoolchildren throughout the Republic of Korea will have the opportunity to learn more about winter sports and the Olympic values, thanks to a new partnership between the PyeongChang Organising Committee for the XXIII Olympic Winter Games (POCOG) and the Ministry of Education.The initiative will supply schools with visual aids and other educational tools to encourage students and teachers to participate in winter sports and the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018. It will also support winter sports institutes, a sports career development programme for middle school students, and opportunities to gain career experience in sport.“Our goal is to create an environment where students can experience the Olympic Winter Games directly and indirectly. We are confident to open ‘New Horizons’ for young students and leave a legacy by working closely with the Ministry of Education,” POCOG President Lee Hee-beom said.The partnership between POCOG and the Ministry of Education was sealed with a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the PyeongChang 2018 President and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Lee Joon-sik.The Minister of Education said: “Through our new partnership, we will work towards a common goal to further develop educational programmes and stage successful Games. The Ministry of Education will fully support PyeongChang 2018 to promote the Olympic Movement through educational and cultural activities.”OLYMPIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME LAUNCHED FOR SCHOOLCHILDREN IN REPUBLIC OF KOREAOLYMPIC REVIEW 19