IOC President awards the Olympic Order to PyeongChang 2018 organisers

A spectacular PyeongChang 2018 Closing Ceremony last night brought to a conclusion 16 days of outstanding sport in fantastic venues and Games that have opened up numerous new opportunities for the Olympic Movement and the Republic of Korea. As International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said: “the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 are the Games of New Horizons”. This morning, President Bach hosted a thank-you breakfast for the Games organisers to show them the Olympic Movement’s gratitude for the quality of the Games’ organisation.

IOC President awards the Olympic Order to PyeongChang 2018 organisers
© IOC/Greg Martin

“You presented us and the world with outstanding Olympic Winter Games,” he told his guests. “We had an Olympic atmosphere as you could not have better imagined. Great success is always a result of great team work. Thank you POCOG, thank you Korea, thank you to all of you. You can be proud of your achievements.” 

During the gathering, an Olympic Order in gold was awarded to PyeongChang 2018 Organising Committee (POCOG) President Hee-beom Lee. Olympic Orders were also awarded to POCOG Secretary General Hyungkoo Yeo and Vice-Presidents Jaeyoul Kim and Jooho Kim.

Gunilla Lindberg, Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission, said in her congratulatory speech: “The Korean combination of pragmatism, determination and commitment to Olympism has worked wonders. Together, these qualities guaranteed the success of the Games. PyeongChang 2018 will forever be remembered for sporting excellence and for the efficiency mixed with kindness.”

President Bach also thanked the International Winter Sports Federations for their support. “You have always been on the side of POCOG and the IOC. Thank you for all your efforts.”

The Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 have seen thousands of athletes inspiring the world with their exceptional performances, new Olympic and world records set, personal bests, moments of outstanding sportsmanship and great emotions at wonderful sporting venues.