PyeongChang celebrates one year on with events across the country
The successes of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 were highlighted once again as the country celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Games with events in PyeongChang, Gangneung, Seoul and other major cities in the Republic of Korea.
Celebrations took place in the host country, starting with the PyeongChang Global Peace Forum at the Alpensia Convention Centre, followed by events at the Olympic Stadium in the afternoon and then at the Gangneung Ice Arena in the evening. Thousands of local residents, Games volunteers, former staff, and sports fans enjoyed the impressive line-up of traditional artists as well as musical performances by popular K-pop stars including IKON, WINNER and Super Junior D&E.
All around the Gangneung Ice Arena, over 10,000 visitors enjoyed sports activities, photo exhibitions and opportunities to get autographs from Olympic athletes such as Yuna Kim (figure skating) and Sang-hwa Lee (speedskating). “Again PyeongChang” events also included a series of K-pop and traditional music concerts, fashion shows, and exhibitions in parallel events in Seoul and other major cities held under the theme of peace, as the South Korean organisers hoped to relive the powerful memories of celebrating a world united by sport in peaceful competition from one year ago.
IOC Executive Board Member Ser Miang Ng helped to kick off the celebrations by taking part in the PyeongChang Global Peace Forum to speak about the IOC’s role in how sport can build bridges, and the powerful symbols of peace during the PyeongChang Games. He attended the anniversary events in PyeongChang and Gangneung on behalf of the IOC.
“These were truly Games of new horizons,” he said. “From the sporting achievements and the athletes’ experience to the excellent organisation, these Games have opened up new horizons in more ways than anyone could have imagined. Thank you for showing the best of Korean organisation, culture and passion to the world.”
Gangwon Province Governor Choi Mun-Soon added, “The first anniversary events here in the province are our way of bringing back the great memories of the Games and promoting the message of peace. The Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang showed us the power of sport to bring the world together in peace, and we must ensure this momentum continues.”
The Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 kicked off with the Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium one year ago on 9 February 2018. Throughout the 17 days of competition, the sporting achievements of athletes amazed global audiences, and the Games of new horizons were considered a success both in the host country and around the world.