POCOG brings Olympic Winter Games to a new level
The PyeongChang 2018 Organising Committee (POCOG) delivered a Games wrap-up report to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session today, underlining the successes and challenges of organising the XXIII Olympic Winter Games. IOC President Thomas Bach summed up the presentation by telling the Session that “POCOG and our Korean friends and partners have brought the Olympic Winter Games to a new level.”
Among the highlights of the POCOG report were the announcement that the Organising Committee will have a balanced budget of USD 2.4 billion and that over 1.3 million spectators had visited the Games so far. POCOG President Lee Hee-beom also noted that 1,200 cultural events had been held with over half a million spectators taking part.
On the subject of legacy, President Lee informed the Session that nine of the 12 Games venues already had legacies in place as multipurpose sports or leisure and tourism facilities. For the three outstanding venues – Jeongseon Alpine Centre, Gangneung Hockey Centre and Gangneung Oval – President Lee underlined how discussions are in progress and are expected to be finalised soon with the Republic of Korea Government and the Gangwon Province.
IOC Coordination Commission Chair Gunilla Lindberg highlighted the good job done by POCOG when she said: “Under your leadership, President Lee, the Organising Committee and its partners have certainly delivered on your promises, providing everyone of us with a unique and memorable experience.” She also emphasised the positive feedback from the different Games participants like the athletes, International Federations, National Olympic Committees, broadcasters and marketing partners, while paying tribute to the spectators and volunteers for their contribution to the success of the Games.