More than 30 young people from the host cities of the Games, part of the Gangwon 2024 promotion group and young supporters, took part in the event. They were joined by PyeongChang 2018 silver medalists in curling, Team Kim, and YOGOC General Secretary Kim Chul-Min.
The celebrations, which were due to take place on the 500-day-remaining mark earlier this month, were postponed following a typhoon warning for the region.
The slogan of Gangwon 2024 – “Grow together, shine forever” – expresses the central ideas of the Games vision. “Grow Together” represents the values of peace, harmony, and coexistence, while “Shine Forever” signifies Gangwon 2024’s goals of pursuing a long-term legacy.
A variety of youth-focused activities took place throughout the day. The young participants visited the PyeongChang Olympic Museum, reminiscing about the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 and deepening their understanding of the Olympic spirit and winter sports. This was followed by site visits, the unveiling of the slogan and a Q&A session with Team Kim.
The activities forming part of the celebration event embodied the YOGOC’s efforts to foster the active participation of young people by incorporating ideas generated by the Gangwon 2024 Youth Supporters group. One of the activities initiated by the youth group, ‘Growth Planting’, was finally carried out at the event. All participants came together to plant a tree, symbolizing growth, reflecting the meaning of the slogan.
Sim Leo, initiator of “Growth Plantation” and supporter of Gangwon 2024 Youth, said, “It feels like the cheers and shouts that filled PyeongChang four years ago are still here in the city. It’s an honor to see how my idea came to life. The small tree symbolizes youth. Hopefully it grows well for the next 500 days and eventually shines bright in 2024.”
The Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) will be held from January 19 to February 1, 2024 and will benefit from the legacy of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games by using some of the same facilities for the YOG. Some 1,900 athletes from approximately 81 National Olympic Committees are expected.
