Harbin, China, July 20, 2026: The President of the International Skating Union, Mr. Kim Jae-youl of Korea, believes the ISU-OCA collaboration will reap rich rewards in the future.
The ISU President, who is also an IOC Executive Board member, sent a video message to the participants of the OCA-ISU Asian Short Track Speed Skating Youth Camp in Harbin on Monday, July 20.
This short track speed skating camp will run until July 26 and will be followed by the OCA-ISU Asian Figure Skating Youth Camp from July 28 to August 3.
President Kim described Harbin as a “remarkable ice city” in which to host the first short track youth camp and second figure skating youth camp later in the month.
“Bringing these two disciplines together this year marks an important step forward for skating across Asia,” he said in his video message.
“This year marks a new path that we are building together. The ISU and OCA have begun a multi-year programme with our sights set on the Asian Winter Games in 2029.
“This turns the camp from a single event into a sustained effort. It is backed by the Harbin Sports Bureau and the local government and supported by ISU development throughout the season.
“This long-term approach is what sets this year's camp apart to all participating skaters and coaches.”
Having held the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin in 2025, the 10th edition is scheduled for Almaty, Kazakhstan in 2029.
The ISU President thanked the OCA, Harbin Municipal Government, Harbin Sports Bureau, Chinese Figure Skating Association and Chinese Skating Association for their support in bringing these two youth camps to fruition.
“Their continued commitment to developing the next generation of skaters and coaches in Asia is what brings us together here today,” he added.
“I wish you a rewarding camp full of learning progress on the ice and new friendships across Asia that will last a lifetime. Skate on together!”
