The National Winter Para Games began on Feb. 16 at the Alpensia Resort in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do Province. The slogan this year is "Together, Undauntedly, Until the End." A total of 818 athletes and staff from 17 provinces and cities, the largest number ever to take part, will compete in the annual winter sports festival for para-athletes, which will be held over four days until Feb. 19.
Athletes will display their capabilities to the full across six official sports: alpine skiing, cross country skiing, biathlon, ice sledge hockey, wheelchair curling and speed skating. There will be one demonstration sport this year, snowboarding. All of the competitions will be held across Pyeongchang, Chuncheon and even some in Seoul.
This year's event holds special meaning as it's regarded as a rehearsal for the PyeongChang Winter Paralympics that will take place in two years.
President Kim Sung-il of the Korea Paralympic Committee said in the opening ceremony that, “The National Winter Para Games will contribute to boosting winter sports, as they're being held ahead of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Paralympics. I hope to see you again at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Paralympics.”
Second Vice Minister of Culture, Sports & Tourism Kim Chong said, "Since the beginning of the National Winter Para Games in 2004, it has been serving as a birthplace that incubates excellent athletes and which helps to expand people's participation in winter para-sports. We will create a positive environment and spare no help for our para-athletes so that they can enjoy winter sports without difficulty.”
By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Korea Paralympic Committee, Yonhap News
arete@korea.kr
Athletes will display their capabilities to the full across six official sports: alpine skiing, cross country skiing, biathlon, ice sledge hockey, wheelchair curling and speed skating. There will be one demonstration sport this year, snowboarding. All of the competitions will be held across Pyeongchang, Chuncheon and even some in Seoul.
This year's event holds special meaning as it's regarded as a rehearsal for the PyeongChang Winter Paralympics that will take place in two years.
Athletes from 17 regions across the country participate in the opening ceremony of the National Winter Para Games on Feb. 16.
President Kim Sung-il of the Korea Paralympic Committee said in the opening ceremony that, “The National Winter Para Games will contribute to boosting winter sports, as they're being held ahead of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Paralympics. I hope to see you again at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Paralympics.”
Second Vice Minister of Culture, Sports & Tourism Kim Chong said, "Since the beginning of the National Winter Para Games in 2004, it has been serving as a birthplace that incubates excellent athletes and which helps to expand people's participation in winter para-sports. We will create a positive environment and spare no help for our para-athletes so that they can enjoy winter sports without difficulty.”
By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Korea Paralympic Committee, Yonhap News
arete@korea.kr
Athletes and a referee take the oath on behalf of all participants in front of President Kim Sung-il of the Korea Paralympic Committee during the opening ceremony for the National Winter Para Games.
Athletes, a referee and President Kim Sung-il of the Korea Paralympic Committee pose for a photo after taking the athletes' oath.
President Kim Sung-il of the Korea Paralympic Committee calls for fair play from all the athletes at the National Winter Para Games.
Second Vice Minister of Culture, Sports & Tourism Kim Chong vows to provide as much support as possible for winter para-sports.