PyeongChang 2018 prepared to deliver memorable Olympic Winter Games experience

With less than 80 days to go until the XXIII Olympic Winter Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) concluded its final Project Review in PyeongChang confident that a memorable experience awaits athletes and Olympic fans in the Republic of Korea.

"Venues are complete, the Olympic Villages are being kitted out, the Olympic Torch Relay is generating excitement for the Games across the Republic of Korea, and I can attest to the convenience of the new KTX high-speed railway. These are just a few of the many ways that preparations are continuing to be delivered ahead of what I am confident will be a memorable event for athletes and fans alike," IOC Coordination Commission Chair Gunilla Lindberg said following the two-day review.

In addition to the convenient venue clusters set against a backdrop of both mountains and sea – where they will be able to watch the world's best winter athletes compete on snow or ice – Olympic ticket holders will also be able to access the Olympic Park and Plaza, with their mix of cultural activities and exhibits. 

The PyeongChang 2018 Organising Committee (POCOG) is also working to ensure spectators have access to updated accommodation and transport information to help facilitate their journeys to the Games, which for ticket holders will include courtesy shuttle buses and exemption from highway toll gate fees en route to PyeongChang.

"The local culture is what makes each Olympic Games so unique," Lindberg continued. "I have no doubt the entire world will appreciate PyeongChang as a destination for winter sport after seeing the beauty of the region and experiencing Korean hospitality. I encourage everyone to come to support their athletes, experience Korean culture, talk to people at the venues and make friends for life."

In the last month, POCOG has focused heavily on building up enthusiasm for the Games with the launch of its official PyeongChang 2018 app, as well as a number of other events and initiatives to engage Korea and the world with these Games. The Olympic Torch Relay also continues to connect the country to the passion of the Games, having passed through more than 20 cities since touching down in Korea.

With facilities now complete, POCOG has turned its attention to testing operational readiness and fine-tuning details to ensure athletes compete on the best fields of play possible.

"We are now only 79 days away from the start of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, and we are ready to welcome the world," said POCOG President Lee Hee-beom. "We have had another very positive and productive Project Review with the IOC this week, and the next few weeks will be a busy and exciting time as we put the finishing touches to our preparations. 

"The snow is starting to fall here and we are doing all we can to increase the passion and excitement across the nation to encourage everyone to come and be part of this winter sports extravaganza. It will be the most wonderful showcase of sports and culture that Korea has ever seen, and we invite everyone to buy their tickets and join us in PyeongChang."

The Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 open on 9 February 2018.

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