Lausanne, Switzerland, December 13, 2019: The IOC Executive Board has accepted the recommendation of the Future Host Commission for the Olympic Winter Games to initiate a targeted dialogue with the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee for the Winter Youth Olympic Games in 20204. In line with the proposals for future host elections approved by the IOC Session in June, the IOC had already been open to opportunities for the Winter YOG 2024. The proposal from the KSOC and Gangwon Province also has support from the National Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the cities of PyeongChang and Gangneung. The recommendation of the Future Host Commission was based on the following rationale: *A positive technical feasibility assessment *Solid support from all levels of government *The opportunity to bring the Winter YOG to Asia for the first time after three editions hosted in Europe *The opportunity to build on the legacy of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 with use of existing venues *The opportunity to further leverage sport to continue dialogue for peace on the Korean peninsula. IOC President Thomas Bach said: “The proposal is very compelling from the perspective of legacy and sustainability as it would be an opportunity to hold the Winter Youth Olympic Games 2024 in a number of venues where Olympians competed a few years earlier at the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018. “Returning to a previous Olympic host would bring significant logistical, financial and organisational advantages, capitalising on ready-to-use facilities, sites and workforce.” A report by the Future Host Commission for the Olympic Winter Games will be given at the next IOC Executive Board meeting in January. The Games concept would be open to take North Korea on board in the organisation if the circumstances allow. Source: www.olympic.org
Korea’s bid for Winter YOG 2024 gains momentum
