At A Glance
- Though this marks the first time that the Winter Youth Olympic Games will be held outside of Europe, South Korea isn't new to hosting such big sporting events: they previously held the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul and the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
South Korea takes center stage once again -- this time, the province of Gangwon -- when it hosts the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games from Jan. 19 to Feb. 1.
Though this marks the first time that the Winter Youth Olympic Games will be held outside of Europe, South Korea isn’t new to hosting such big sporting events: they previously held the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul and the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
Gangwon’s hosting of the Games aims at building on the Olympic Games legacy and engaging even more young people through various activities before, throughout and after the Games.
Its vision is to also let the youth celebrate unity through sport, culture and education.
“Embracing the beauty and culture of Gangwon Province, the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics are set to unite nations once again,” said Lee Sang-hwa, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines.
“Drawing inspiration from Korea’s past Olympic triumphs, such as the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, this event promises to further deepen our global connections,” he added.
Gangwon 2024 will benefit from many of the facilities used for PyeongChang 2018. This will ensure a cost-efficient and sustainable YOG, and, at the same time, provide the participating athletes with the opportunity to compete in some of the same sites as Olympians did a few years before.
Ambassador Lee also underscored the Korea-Philippine relations as the country will send three representatives to the Games: Peter Groseclose, Avery Balbanida and Laetaz Amihan Rabe.
“As we mark the 75th anniversary of Korea-Philippine ties this year, let us rally behind these young athletes with unwavering support, cherishing every moment of triumph and challenge together,” Amb. Lee said.
“They are the champions for our common slogan, “sports for peace, and sports for development,” he added.