(ATR) International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach assures the media that political turmoil and tensions in South Korea will not affect the Winter Olympics.
"Now the country is going through a difficult period of political divisions, so the Games are a really good opportunity for Koreans to unite behind their athletes, behind their team and behind these Olympic Games," Bach told reporters on Wednesday during the IOC Coordination Commission for the PyeongChang 2018 Games.
The IOC president arrived in Seoul, South Korea on March 14 where he was welcomed by the president of the PyeongChang 2018 Organizing Committee Hee Beom Lee. Lee accompanied Bach to a meeting with South Korea’s acting President Hwang Kyo Ahn and other members of Parliament.
"They all assured us whatever is happening with the campaign or election due in May that the Games are enjoying full support across all political parties," Bach said, alluding that the impeachment of former President Park Geun Hye has not diminished enthusiasm for the Olympic project.
"Koreans feel – and I think this is a very good sign – that these Games are a good opportunity for Korea to unite again and be united also in support of their athletes."
The IOC president also brushed off concerns over the country’s sometimes unpredictable northern neighbors. Bach says the longstanding tensions between South and North Korea won’t boil over and burn the legacy of the Games.
"Everybody will be welcome here in Korea," Bach insisted. "The political tensions in the region will play no role in this. This is the philosophy of the Games and in this respect I have no doubt that Korea will deliver and will offer its great hospitality to everybody."
Bach joined the CoComm on Wednesday during the third and final day of the meetings. Bach, Lee, Lindberg and IOC vice president John Coates all attended a venue tour of the Olympic Village along with Olympic athletes. The IOC president said he was impressed with the progress made since his last visit to the village six months ago.
Bach’s visit to Korea will extend to the weekend with the IOC Executive Board meetings taking place March 16-17. The IOC executives will hear a presentation from POCOG regarding the final steps and preparations for Winter Games now less than 11 months away. The IOC is also expected to discuss ongoing autonomy issues with the National Olympic Committee of Kenya during the EB.
The EB members and Bach will then attend PyeongChang 2018’s final Olympic test event in March as the International Bobsleigh and Ski Federation takes over the Alpensia Sliding Centre from March 17-19 for a World Cup event.
The PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics will take place from Feb. 9-25.
Click here to view photos from the Coordination Commission.
Written by Kevin Nutley
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