By Kang Gahui and Kim Hayeon 

President Moon Jae-in on March 13 hailed the nation's athletes at the closing ceremony of the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics, saying all 31 competitors and coaches worked hard and "stood shoulder to shoulder" with global competition using "passion and fighting spirit."

On his Facebook account, the president said that though Korea failed to medal in the Games, every one of the athletes were winners for doing their best to exceed their limits with a fighting spirit at every moment, adding that above all, he was glad that everyone completed the tournament healthily and safely.

The nation sent to the Chinese capital a 79-member delegation comprising 31 athletes and 48 staff to compete in all six Paralympic events, but failed to win a medal.

Praising Team Korea, President Moon hailed the wheelchair curling team dubbed "Jang Yoon-jung's Confession" for its great counterattack and the ice hockey team for its "tenacious puck without hesitation," adding that cross country and biathlon competitor Shin Eui-hyun's entry in six events showed that he was an "iron man of snowy fields." 

The chief executive also mentioned the performances of snowboarders Lee Choong-min, Lee Je-hyuk and Park Soo-hyuk and alpine skier Choi Sara.

 President Moon thanked the Korea Paralympic Committee and its support team for trying their best to ensure athlete safety at the Games, and gave "special thanks" to the families, medical staff, nurses and physical therapists who supported the delegation.

kgh89@korea.kr