The Special Olympics World Winter Games Austria 2017 will start on March 14 in Graz, Schladming and Ramsau, all in Austria, where Olympians will bring moments of hope and unity to their sport, breaking through their disabilities.

Running until March 25, the Winter Games will have more than 2,800 athletes from 107 countries. There are medals up for grabs in nine events. Of the participating countries, there are eight from Africa, 11 from the Asia-Pacific region, six from East Asia, 53 from Europe, eight from Latin America, 16 from the Middle East and North Africa, and, lastly, five from North America.



Team Korea, comprised of 65 athletes, will jostle for medals in four snow sports -- cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing-- two ice sports -- short-track speed skating and figure skating -- and in floor hockey.

“Hopefully, our participating athletes will bear fruit in Austria after all the sweat and tears they had to shed in their preparation for the competition. Hopefully, the Olympic Games will make them believe that they are living in a world where those with disabilities like them can live happily together,” said Go Heung-kil, president of Special Olympics Korea. “More people will pay attention to Austria where our athletes will tell their touching tales.”

Austrian Ambassador to Korea Martin Burker welcomed Team Korea as it headed to his homeland, saying, “I hope that your time in Austria will be remembered as moments of passion, challenges and unity.”

By Sohn JiAe
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: The Special Olympic World Winter Games Organizing Committee, Special Olympics Korea
jiae5853@korea.kr