Local Korean embassy touts upcoming Winter Olympic Games
THE 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, is a sporting spectacle that should not be missed not only for the action on ice but for other facets as well, the Korean embassy in the country had said.
In a special ceremony held yesterday at the South Korean Embassy in Taguig City, Korean officials as well as representatives from the Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine Sports Commission expressed their anticipation and excitement for the quadrennial Games happening from Feb. 9 to 25.
While they are no longer strangers to hosting events of such magnitude, having taken duties for the Summer, Asian and other regional games, newly appointed Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-Man said the PyeongChang Games takes special significance.
“South Korea hosting the Winter Games this year is in line with our thrust as a nation to bring people together and uphold the true spirit of sport,” Mr. Han said in an interview with Business-
World at the sidelines of yesterday’s celebration of the Winter Games.
“One of the highlights of this Games is we were able to bridge the gap with North Korea and that they are participating which is truly significant,” he added.
The South Korean ambassador went on to say that high technology will be showcased as well throughout the Games, including the use of robots for the first time as guides and translators.
“We will be using robots as guides and translators for the event so that is something to look forward. But apart from that, participants and visitors will also get the hospitality from the Korean people,” Mr. Han said.
For Philippine chef de mission to the Winter Games Tom Carrasco, South Korea hosting this year is something they welcome, citing the good experience they had in the past.
“This is the second time that I’m going to South Korea as chef de mission. The first one was 18 years ago in Busan for the Asian Games. Our experience then was great as it was well-organized and I’m looking forward to experiencing the same in PyeongChang,” Mr. Carrasco said.
For the 2018 Winter Olympics, PyeongChang will be the stage for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and most snow sports.
Alpine speed events will take place in Jeongseon, and all ice sports will be competed in the coastal city of Gangneung.
The Philippines will have two representatives, namely alpine skier Asa Miller and figure skater Michael Martinez.
Meanwhile, in conjunction with the opening of the Winter Games on Feb. 9, the Korean Embassy in the Philippines will host special screenings of the movies Take Off and Rub- Off.
These will be held from 5 p. m. to 10 p. m. at the Korean Cultural Center Wave Hall at the second floor of the Mancor Corporate Center, 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City. Admission is free. —