The Seoul Rehabilitation Center on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (Seoulidd) attracted more than 2,600 people to their 31st Drawing Contest at the National Folk Museum of Korea today.
The event, which has been running since 1987, joined forces with PyeongChang 2018 this year to give all participants the chance to experience some of the Paralympic sports including wheelchair curling and para ice hockey alongside the art competition.
The aim of the drawing contest is two-fold: to provide confidence to the impaired and encourage them to take part in social activities, and also to improve perceptions and understanding around disabilities. This echoes some of the main messages that the PyeongChang Organizing Committee for the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Games (POCOG) are trying to convey through the Paralympic Games, so it was a perfect opportunity to bring the two together and promote inclusion and accessibility for all ages and abilities.
On hand to show his support of the event, fresh from his team’s bronze medal achievements at the World Para Ice Hockey Championships last week, was National Para Ice Hockey athlete HAN Minsu. He said, "I hope I can give as many people here as possible the chance to learn and try para ice hockey before the upcoming Paralympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 in March. It's a sport that has changed my life and given me so many opportunities. Winning the bronze at the world championships last week was an amazing experience, and I would love to play a part in encouraging more people to get involved in disability sport and enjoy it as much as I do."
The drawing competition was open to anyone over the age of six who has been diagnosed with an intellectual and developmental disability. The best pieces of artwork were selected, and they will be on display at the Gwang Art Gallery in Seoul from 24th-30th May. One lucky winner will also be recommended to take part in the highly acclaimed VSA Arts Program where they can display their work with others from around the world in an online exhibition.
POCOG President LEE Hee-beom was on hand helping some of the participants try para winter sports. He said, "It is wonderful to be part of the 31st Drawing Contest today and to see so many people experiencing para winter sports for the first time.
"The Paralympic Games are all about inclusion, unity and accessibility - and that is exactly what we see here today. Sport, like the arts, is for everyone and we hope the Games next year will help spread that message across Korea and beyond. "
The PyeongChang 2018 mascots Soohorang (Olympic) and Bandabi (Paralympic) were also part of the fun, enjoying the activities and posing for photographs with all the families and volunteers.
Coca-Cola who is a presenting partner of the Olympic Torch Relay had a booth at the event to share information on the relay which will begin its journey in Korea from November 1st until the flame reaches the Olympic Plaza during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games on February 9th.
Ticket sales for the Paralympic Games will go on sale in August, and more information on Olympic Games tickets can be found https://tickets.pyeongchang2018.com
For more information, please contact:
POCOG Press Office
Email: pressoffice@pyeongchang2018.com
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