Page 42

has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with most of the large fi rms in the Republic of Korea.How have the local Korean population been showing their passion and support for the Games?Our people have been as excited as we are on our journey to PyeongChang 2018, and have been showing their support by coming to our test events and milestone celebrations. We have also had 79,109 Koreans apply to become volunteers, which accounted for 86 per cent of total applications. With less than a year to go, we expect to see an increase in overall support as we cross more key milestones, and with the tickets now on sale, fans can begin planning their Olympic experience. How is PyeongChang 2018 keeping athletes at the heart of all aspects of planning for the Games?Hosting athlete-oriented and competition-centred Games is one of PyeongChang 2018’s key goals, and, with that in mind, POCOG has prioritised athletes’ convenience in preparing the venues and their operations. All venues are located within 30 minutes of one of the two newly constructed Olympic Villages, and 90 per cent of the athletes will be able to reach their training or competition venues within 10 minutes of leaving their accommodation. This compact venue plan, with the two venue clusters only 30 minutes apart, is a special feature of PyeongChang 2018 compared with previous Games. We hope it will enhance athlete performance, provide optimum accessibility for spectators, and also allow for greater interaction between athletes.Has the fact that the country hosted the Olympic Games in Seoul 30 years ago helped with the preparations for 2018?The Olympic Games Seoul 1988 introduced the Republic of Korea to the world, and are still a great source of pride for those who remember the passion and excitement of hosting the Games.AS THE COUNTDOWN CONTINUES TO THE OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES PYEONGCHANG 2018, ORGANISING COMMITTEE (POCOG) PRESIDENT LEE HEE-BEOM IS ENVISAGING GAMES THAT OPEN UP NEW HORIZONS FOR THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT‘NEW HORIZONS’LEE HEE-BEOMPresident of the Organising Committee for the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018‘WE WANT TO ENGAGE THE YOUNGER GENERATION AND GET THEM EXCITED BY WINTER SPORTS’LEE HEE-BEOMPOCOG PRESIDENTWith one year to go until PyeongChang 2018, how are the preparations progressing? Overall, the hardware (venues and infrastructure) and software (operational know-how, sponsorship and promotion) preparations are well on track and the POCOG team, Gangwon Province and central government are working closely together. The average completion rate for our new competition venues is above 96.4 per cent, and we are using this winter’s series of test events as a chance to acquire the necessary operational experience, so that ultimately we can deliver the best possible Olympic Winter Games in 2018.Regarding local sponsorship, POCOG has secured 89 per cent of its USD 822 million target, and Q:Q:Q:Q:A:A:A:A:ONE YEAR TO GO42 OLYMPIC REVIEW