PyeongChang, a Winter Universiade after the 2018 Olympics!

Mrs. Hong and Mr. Seok Rae Lee, the Mayor of PyeongChang with FISU SG/CEO Eric Saintrond

PYEONGCHANG – FISU Secretary General Eric Saintrond went to PyeongChang (KOR) on the occasion of the Winter Specials Olympics taking place from 30 January to 5 February. He took the opportunity to meet with the local authorities and in particular with the Mayor of PyeongChang, Seok Rae Lee, with a view to look into the possibility that the Winter Universiade would be hosted in the province, which will be the host of the 23^rd Winter Olympics. A member of EduC and a key figure in the KOC and FIVB, Mrs. Hong Yang Ja also took part in the meeting. The Mayor of PyeongChang confirmed his great interest in hosting the Winter Universiade as of 2019. In the forthcoming days he is to meet with the authorities of the province to confirm this interest within the set deadline.

The ski resort Alpensia – Nordic Centre

In 2007 Turin hosted the Winter Universiade after the 2006 OG, which enabled the local organising committee to make use not only of the newly built sports facilities, but also of the Athletes’ Village that had been built in Turin. In addition, the Winter Universiade benefited from the support of thousands of volunteers that had been given high-quality training.

PyeongChang is a small city in the Gwandon province, a three-hour drive from Seoul’s international airport – Incheon. Apart from the bobsleigh and toboggan runs, all the sports facilities already exist. After being defeated twice in the bidding process for the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics, PyeongChang finally won the bid for the hosting of the 2018 Games.

Gangneung Ice Arena

One of the towns close to PyeongChang that will host the ice competitions, Gangneung is also the town where the University of Kwandong is located. With over 40,000 students, this university is part of the EURAS network (Eurasian Universities Union), , which is definitely a key partner for our next events given that the Almaty Technological University and the Kazan Federal University are also members of this network.

FISU SG/CEO Saintrond with cross-country athletes from the Russian Federation

More info on the Winter Special Olympics PyeongChang 2013 at //www.2013sopoc.org.

C. Pierre, Press Officer