. . . envoy congratulates Kirsty
KIRSTY COVENTRY’S rise to become the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission boss has been hailed by the South Korean government, with the Asian country hosting the Winter Olympics which got underway yesterday.
Speaking at the occasion to celebrate the official opening of the Winter Olympics, South Korean Ambassador to Zimbabwe Cho Jaichel said Coventry’s elevation will lead to increased engagement between the Zimbabwean sports community and the rest of the world.
“I believe her election as the chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission and a member of the IOC Executive Board will raise the status of Zimbabwe in
Cold War. Thirty years after hosting the Summer Games, the Pyeongchang Olympics has commenced with a hope for peace from everyone around the world.
“It was with an ardent desire that the people of Korea aspired to host the Winter Games, the only divided nation in the world. It mirrors the Olympic spirit in its pursuit of peace.”
North Korea announced it was to send a delegation to Pyeongchang in January after it met its South counterparts in their first high-level talks in more than two years.
The team consists of 22 athletes, who will compete in five sports, although their women’s ice hockey players will compete in a unified Korean team. They played together for the first time last Sunday in their only practice match, which they lost 3-1 to Sweden.
The “wow moments” in the ceremony included the formation of the Olympic Rings made up of 1 218 drones - a Guinness the international arena and serve as a springboard for Zimbabweans to actively engage with the international community through sports,’’ he said.
“The Korean people and the Korean government have ensured to make this international sports event a great success, especially in strengthening the friendship among the nations, and uniting the world.’’
Zimbabwe Olympics Committee chief executive Anna Mguni hailed the South Korean Embassy for hosting the event and Kirsty for her elevation to the top post.
“We are very pleased and excited as a country, Kirsty Coventry’s appointment will raise Zimbabwe’s profile of leadership. We wish her the very best as it is a daunting task to take up, however, we have great faith in her.’’
World Record for drones used in a performance - and 100 skiers.
There was also “the vision of peace in the sky” which was a constellation inside the arena, while “the balance of yin and yang” saw Korean drummers perform in unison before forming the South Korea flag. And the centre of the stadium was lit up in the eye-catching “link to the world” segment.
During the parade of athletes, Tonga’s flagbearer, cross-country skier Pita Taufatofua, came out into the arena without wearing a top despite sub-zero temperatures.
He wore similar attire during the opening ceremony at Rio 2016, when he competed in taekwondo. Bermuda’s contingent wore shorts during the parade in Pyeongchang.
There was also a performance of John Lennon’s “Imagine”, which included the formation of a giant dove of peace. - BBC Sport.