New PyeongChang 2018 President steps up with activities

Hee-beom Lee has spent a busy first week on the job since being nominated as the new President of the PyeongChang Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (POCOG) in early May.

Lee began the week with briefings and site visits at the host cities of PyeongChang and Gangneung, and met and addressed the staff of the Organising Committee. His schedule was also filled with meeting arrangements with officials of government bodies, sports organisations and national winter sport federations. On Thursday (19 May), he met with the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Coordination Commission Chair Gunilla Lindberg to discuss the preparations for the Games.

On Friday (20 May), he held his first press conference with domestic and international media residing in Seoul, to describe his aspirations and goals, and also ask for continued support, interest and advice from the media.

In his opening remarks, Lee stated: “Personally, it is a great honour to be able to take part in the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games.

“We have 19 months left until the Games, and I understand the constraints we face in terms of time and resources,” he mentioned, adding: “I have faith in the capacity and vitality of the Organising Committee, displayed by the successful hosting of the Test Events this past February. I am certain that we can achieve even more success in 2018 with the combined teamwork and passion of POCOG, the central government, Gangwon Province and the sports community.”

Joining the press conference during a working visit that also delivered a message of goodwill and support, IOC Coordination Commission Chair Gunilla Lindberg said she has been “greatly impressed by President Lee’s energy and passion for the project.”

“He is certainly off to a fast start and we are looking forward to working closely with him and the PyeongChang team,” Lindberg continued. “I have no doubt that under Mr. Lee’s leadership, the capable team at PyeongChang2018 will deliver outstanding Games that have a unique Korean feeling and leave lasting positive legacy for PyeongChang, Gangwon Province and the Republic of Korea.”

Lee will continue to have a busy schedule, including meetings with Gangwon Province officials and preparations for the upcoming the IOC Executive Board meeting in June.