Olympians use PyeongChang 2018 as a catalyst to inspire youth

9 | 1 | 2018

As the countdown to PyeongChang 2018 continues, Olympians in Korea are using the upcoming Olympic Winter Games to promote sport and the Olympic Values to young people across the country.

With the help of a World Olympians Association development grant, the Korea Olympians Association (KOA) is ensuring its members are taking an active role in preparations for the Games, reaching out to underprivileged children through sport to motivate, teach and inspire them.

“With PyeongChang 2018 fast approaching, now is the ideal time to promote sport and the Olympic values in Korea,” said SONG Minsuk, Secretary General of the KOA. “By fostering self-confidence and helping to motivate underprivileged children, Olympians can make a difference to the lives of young people.”

More than 4,500 children and young people benefit from the Olympian-led programmes in Korea each year, ensuring disadvantaged schools and communities have the chance to interact with the country’s sporting heroes.

Olympians such as five-time Olympian and Olympic shooting gold medallist LEE Eun-chul (Los Angeles 1984 to Sydney 2000), double Olympian and Executive Director of the Korea Table Tennis Association HYUN Jung-hwa (Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992), two-time Olympic wrestling champion SIM Kwon-Ho (Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000), KIM Yeon-koung, double Olympian and captain of the Korean women’s volleyball team (London 2012 and Rio 2016), Olympic swimming champion PARK Tae-Hwan (Beijing 2008 to Rio 2016) and four-time Olympian and Olympic silver medallist NAM Hyun-Hee (Athens 2004 to Rio 2016) have all taken part in the lead up to the Winter Olympic Games.  

“The social and educational benefits of sport are significant and the Korea Olympians Association is playing an important role in sharing those benefits with those that need it most, helping to build a healthy youth culture that will contribute to a strong society,” added Mr SONG Minsuk.

“The programmes also create a pathway for Olympians to develop professionally, assisting athletes with their career transition and helping generate opportunities for Olympians, from a range of sports, to share their knowledge and skill with communities up and down the country,” he concluded.

World Olympians Association at PyeongChang 2018

World Olympians Association (WOA) is inviting all Olympians attending PyeongChang 2018 to join its Games-time Olympians programme.

Pre-registration is now open on the WOA website – sign-up today and make the most of your PyeongChang 2018 experience.

You can also RSVP for our exclusive OLYmpian Party at Slovenia House on 15 February HERE.