Gangwon 2024 updates IOC EB on Winter YOG preparations

© Gangwon 2024
© Gangwon 2024

Paris, France, December 1, 2023: Fifty days before the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024, the IOC Executive Board was briefed on the preparations for the next Winter YOG on Friday, December 1.

Speaking via video conference, Coordination Commission Chair and IOC Member Zhang Hong said: “I am delighted to announce that the project is well on track to ensure successful Youth Olympic Games in January. We warmly welcome the appointment of our new President, who adds valuable leadership to our team, and who will be working alongside the two current Co-Presidents.”

Kim Chul-min, Secretary General of the Gangwon 2024 Winter YOG Organising Committee, reported on the operational readiness and the key milestones achieved in the lead-up to Gangwon 2024.

Governance

Choi Jong-gu was appointed as President of the YOGOC during an official event in Seoul on November 27, 2023. Additionally, a new seven-member Advisers Group has been established to assist with the Games preparations.

Torch Tour

The Torch Tour for Gangwon 2024 commenced on October 11 in Seoul, and is scheduled to visit 26 cities and counties, including its final stage in Gangneung on December 29. The tour has already engaged over 10,650 spectators in the celebration events across the country.

Ticketing

Separately, the ticketing strategy for Gangwon 2024 was outlined, with the ticketing platform having been launched earlier this month. Tickets for the Opening Ceremony are now on sale, while tickets for all other events can be booked free of charge.

Safeguarding

The EB also approved the updated IOC Games-Time Safeguarding Framework for publication and implementation at upcoming Youth Olympic Games and Olympic Games. Its first implementation will be at the Winter YOG Gangwon 2024.

In the closing stages of preparation for Gangwon 2024, the YOGOC is focusing on finalising operational aspects and spectator engagement. A recent operational readiness exercise, involving all YOGOC executives, was conducted to ensure the smooth running of the Games.

The fourth Winter YOG - and first to be held in Asia - will take place in Gangwon province, Korea from January 19 to February 1 and use several of the venues from the Winter Olympics PyeongChang 2018.