President Park Geun-hye invited the national athletes who participated in the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics to Cheong Wa Dae on March 5 and praised them with words of encouragement during their lunch meeting.
“I am so proud of your indomitable spirit and courage. You showed us how precious and beautiful you are when doing your best and facing the challenges, despite the tough conditions,” said the president.
President Park mentioned the medal-winning performances of short track skater Shim Suk-hee and figure skater Kim Yuna, and also praised the athletes who did their best in disciplines in which Korea is not considered strong, such as bobsleigh, skeleton, luge and some of the ski events. “Your hidden efforts touched the hearts of all the people. We should also note the courage and spirit of Lee Kyou-hyuk who has put on wonderful performances in six consecutive Olympics,” said the president.
“The important thing about the Olympic Games is not winning, but participating; not dominating, but fighting well,” said the president, quoting Pierre Coubertin, the France-born educator considered to be the father of the modern Olympic Games and founder of the International Olympic Committee. She added that Korean society embodies the true spirit of the Olympics.
In order to successfully host the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, President Park said, “We should begin making an all-out effort to face the challenge again.” The president told the sports stars that the government will set up a support system for athletes so that they can train in a better environment and fully develop their capabilities. She also said that the government will take more interest in fostering and incubating excellent players, providing scientific equipment and technical assistance and secure more winter sports facilities.
By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
arete@korea.kr
“I am so proud of your indomitable spirit and courage. You showed us how precious and beautiful you are when doing your best and facing the challenges, despite the tough conditions,” said the president.
President Park mentioned the medal-winning performances of short track skater Shim Suk-hee and figure skater Kim Yuna, and also praised the athletes who did their best in disciplines in which Korea is not considered strong, such as bobsleigh, skeleton, luge and some of the ski events. “Your hidden efforts touched the hearts of all the people. We should also note the courage and spirit of Lee Kyou-hyuk who has put on wonderful performances in six consecutive Olympics,” said the president.
President Park Geun-hye (center) speaks during the lunch meeting on March 5 at Cheong Wa Dae with the national Olympic team. (photo: Cheong Wa Dae)
President Park Geun-hye (center) proposes a toast during the lunch meeting on March 5 at Cheong Wa Dae with the Olympic athletes who participated in the Sochi Games. (photo: Cheong Wa Dae)
“The important thing about the Olympic Games is not winning, but participating; not dominating, but fighting well,” said the president, quoting Pierre Coubertin, the France-born educator considered to be the father of the modern Olympic Games and founder of the International Olympic Committee. She added that Korean society embodies the true spirit of the Olympics.
In order to successfully host the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, President Park said, “We should begin making an all-out effort to face the challenge again.” The president told the sports stars that the government will set up a support system for athletes so that they can train in a better environment and fully develop their capabilities. She also said that the government will take more interest in fostering and incubating excellent players, providing scientific equipment and technical assistance and secure more winter sports facilities.
By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
arete@korea.kr
President Park Geun-hye (third from left) attends a lunch meeting on March 5 at Cheong Wa Dae with the national Olympic team that participated in the Sochi Games. (photo: Cheong Wa Dae)
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