The PyeongChang 2018 Progress Report to the National Paralympic Committees
December 2014
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Friends,
It gives me great pleasure to present our first Progress report to the National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) on our preparations for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
This report provides an overview on POCOG’s progress to date, including both technical and general insight into aspects of interest to NPC planning and preparation such as our latest information on the Paralympic Village, the ongoing work on our transport system and other Games services.
With only three years and two months to go, we are more than ever aware of the great responsibility that we bear. Therefore, to ensure that our team is prepared to deliver relevant and high quality service to you and your athletes, POCOG has been engaged in learning opportunities and workshops with our partners from the IPC, the IOC, the IFs and experts from all around the world.
We understand the vital role that NPCs play in the success of athlete experience and performance. To this end, POCOG has facilitated for our NPC Services Department to be supported structurally and integrated with all related functional areas whose planning and operations will support NPC Games-wide participation.
We are making good progress on our Games and we are looking forward to meeting our milestones. Planning is intensifying and the momentum and energy of our Organising Committee continues to grow.
Constructions in PyeongChang and Gangneung have been planned with sustainability and legacy at their core. These are underway and will be finished with sufficient time to host test events and training opportunities.
As testament to our marketing efforts, we are building sponsor interest and looking forward to securing many more sponsors for our Games. The President of the Republic of Korea has reaffirmed her support for PyeongChang 2018 and we are working together to ensure that the Games are successful. We have just recently signed with two sponsors, KT, Korea’s top telecommunications company, as well as YoungOne Outdoor, an athletic apparel company which manufactures and distributes The North Face products in Korea.
As we look ahead, our unique and clear vision of “New Horizons” 3 takes on greater significance than ever. This is a vision that will extend beyond Games time. We hope that our Games will be a catalyst to engage and inspire “New Horizons” of hope in the hearts of those around the world, as well as “New Horizons” in sport development locally and globally, and “New Horizons” in the sharing of the Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality. For the youth and future leaders of our world, I hope that this will inspire “New Horizons” of possibilities in their lives and visions of the future.
Thank you for your continued support and on behalf of POCOG, we are honoured and privileged to walk the next few years of this journey towards a New Horizon with you!
Yang Ho CHO
President, POCOG
4 TABLE OF CONTENTS
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 3
OVERVIEW 8
VISION 8
OBJECTIVES 8
BID HISTORY 9
PREVIOUS PARALYMPIC GAMES HOSTED IN KOREA 9
OUR PARTNERS 10
GOVERNMENT PARTNERS 10
SPORT PARTNERS 10
KOREAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE 10
KOREAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE 11
COMMERCIAL PARTNERS 11
IOC COCOM 11
IPC PROJECT REVIEW 12
POCOG 13
SENIOR MANAGEMENT 13
STRUCTURE 14
BRAND 15
SUSTAINABILITY 16
LEGACY 16
NPC SERVICES 17
OUR TEAM 18
COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS 19
NPC VISITS 19
NPC ASSISTANTS 20
SPORT 21
SPORT PROGRAMME 21
5 COMPETITION SCHEDULES 22
TEST EVENTS 22
IPSF VISITS 22
WEATHER 22
PARALYMPIC VENUES 22
OVERVIEW 22
VENUE INVESTMENT 22
PARALYMPIC VILLAGE 25
ACCOMMODATION 26
TRANSPORTATION 26
TRAVEL DISTANCES AND APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMES BETWEEN KEY VENUES 28
HIGH SPEED RAILWAY 29
NEW HIGHWAY 29
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE 29
PORT OF ENTRY 29
MEDICAL SERVICES 30
ANTI-DOPING 31
SECURITY 31
ACCREDITATION 32
TECHNOLOGY 32
CEREMONIES 32
SPORT AND VENUE FACT SHEETS 34
ALPINE SKIING 34
ALPINE SPEED EVENTS (JEONGSEON ALPINE CENTRE) 34
ALPINE TECHNICAL EVENTS (YONGPYONG ALPINE CENTRE) 35
SNOWBOARD 37
NORDIC SKIING (BIATHLON AND CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING) 39
ICE SLEDGE HOCKEY 41
WHEELCHAIR CURLING 43 6 7 OVERVIEW
The PyeongChang Organising Committee for the 2018 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games (POCOG) was established on 19 October 2011 in close cooperation with national and local governments, the Korean Olympic Committee, relevant organisations and expert groups.
POCOG’s mission is to deliver an unforgettable Olympic and Paralympic experience with lasting legacies. It is our hope to engage Koreans and the world. The PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games will be held from 9 - 25 February 2018 (17 days) and the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games will be held from 9 - 18 March 2018 (10 days).
Over 2014, we have been actively engaged in learning opportunities and workshops with the IOC, the IPC and experts from around the world to educate and enable our team to fulfil our responsibilities. We have also hosted multiple cross-functional meetings to ensure that we are able to move forward together in the refining of our planning and operations.
As we look towards 2015, we will be recruiting more experts and increasing our staff numbers to support crucial pre-Games operations.
VISION
PyeongChang 2018’s vision of “New Horizons” reflects our hope for a future of opportunities and possibility.
OBJECTIVES
POCOG’s objectives are to deliver an Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games focused on culture, environment, peace and economy.
To achieve these objectives, we have identified 10 strategies for success:
•• Build an athlete-oriented Games
•• Minimise cost and maximise benefits
•• Guarantee completely safe games
•• Construct easily accessible traffic network
•• Maximise convenience for spectators
•• Develop successful marketing strategy
•• Create and leave a sustainable legacy
•• Develop high-quality and unique cultural/tourism products
8 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS •• Create atmosphere for nationwide participation
•• Create opportunity for possible reconciliation and cooperation between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
BID HISTORY
On 19 June 2001, an agreement signed between the IOC and the IPC secured the practice of “one bid, one city” which meant that the staging of the Paralympics is automatically included in the bid for the Olympic Winter Games.
After two unsuccessful endeavours, current POCOG President Yang Ho CHO took the helm and led Korea’s third bid with a resonant and visionary ideal of ‘New Horizons’. At the 123rd IOC Session in Durban, South Africa, on 6 July 2011, PyeongChang won the bid to host the Olympic Winter Games, and the honour of hosting the Paralympic Winter Games.
The fact that the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games would come exactly three decades after the 1988 Seoul Olympic and Paralympic Games added to the romanticism of the winning bid.
A new chapter has opened in Korea’s Olympic and Paralympic annals.
PREVIOUS PARALYMPIC GAMES HOSTED IN KOREA
Korea’s efforts to host the 1988 Olympic and Paralympic Games were testament to its hopes and its determination to advance onto the global stage by overcoming its difficult economic situation and volatile political landscape.
The 1988 Paralympic Games hosted in Seoul were a catalyst of change, not only in Korean history, but also for World history, and Olympic and Paralympic History.
It presented a means for engaging the whole World in celebrating the Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality. In doing so, it was an opportunity to begin breaking down the walls of ideology, racism and tension that continued to isolate and devastate the world during the Cold War Era.
It was the first time that the Paralympic Games would be hosted in the same city as the Olympic Games, sharing the same world class facilities. This agreement between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) would continue to be practised till today. This move would open the door for stronger cooperation and understanding between the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), paving the way towards the practice of “one bid, one city”, and serving as a catalyst for the alignment of principles for the organisation of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The IPC would also adopt the Taeguk symbol from the Korean flag in their emblem. The new 9 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS flag which incorporated this new emblem would be presented to the International Coordinating Committee President Dr Jens Bromann during the Opening Ceremony of the Games. The IPC would continue to use the Taeguk symbols in their emblem until they established the three Agitos as their emblem in 2004
The Opening Ceremony was held on 15 October 1988 and saw a crowd of 75,000 people. 3,057 competitors from 61 nations took part in the athlete parade, a record number of competitors for the Paralympics then.
These Games soon became known as the first Games in the modern Paralympic era, drawing 2,368 members of the media to cover it. The Paralympic Games drew incredible interest, with Wheelchair basketball seeing a crowd of 20,000 screaming fans.
The 1988 Paralympic Games in Seoul were an exceptional opportunity for Korea to showcase its national brand, the direct and indirect economic effects of the Games, while leaving an incredible legacy both locally and internationally.
OUR PARTNERS
GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
POCOG is cooperating closely with the central government and the Gangwon provincial government. The Government has recently reiterated its commitment to the Paralympic Games. Our collaborative projects are currently focused on venue development, security, the definition of our legacy programme and its post-Games management. We will continue to work together closely every step of the way.
SPORT PARTNERS
KOREAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE
The Korean Paralympic Committee (KPC) was officially recognised by the Ministry of Health & Welfare, in 1989, as a legacy of the 1988 Seoul Paralympic Games.
KPC was transferred under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Sports in July 2005, to keep pace with changing times that see the rapid enhancement of sporting achievements of athletes with impairments, as well as the enlargement of sporting organisations, which are seeing progress in leaps and bounds under the guidance and coordination of the International Paralympic Committee.
Since its inception, KPC has supported the establishment of 33 member sports federations, 9 associate member sports federations, and 17 provincial sports associations in order to improve the national awareness towards Paralympic sports and to enhance the life quality of people with impairment.
KPC has taken a leading role in the expansion of Paralympic Movement through the active promotion of the vision, mission, and values of the IPC. 10 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS KOREAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
The Korean Olympic Committee (KOC) was established in 1946 and became an IOC member country at the 41st IOC Session in 1947. In 1968, the Korean Olympic Committee and Korean School Sports council were partly-merged with the Korea Sports Council. The complete merger of the Korea Sports Council & the Korean Olympic Committee was concluded in 2009. Accordingly, a single legal entity was established and would thereafter be known as the Korean Olympic Committee.
As a multi-faceted sport organization, KOC cooperates closely with 61 National Sport Federations to promote and support sport within the amateur and elite sporting communities. KOC is active in its outreach to the masses with sport and particularly in its endeavours to assimilate Sports with Education and Culture.
KOC’s mission is to enhance and enrich the quality of life by encouraging people to participate in sports, to elevate international sports competitiveness by supporting the National Federations and training athletes, and to contribute towards the development and harmony of the Olympic Movement worldwide.
COMMERCIAL PARTNERS
POCOG is proud to have signed with two partners: KT, Korea’s top telecommunications services company, as well as YoungOne Outdoor, a sports apparel company which manufactures and distributes The North Face products in Korea. We are in discussions with potential sponsors and looking forward to signing more sponsors in the near future.
We thank our Partners for embarking on this journey with us.
IOC COCOM
The IOC Coordination Commission for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is chaired by IOC Executive Board Member and ANOC Secretary General, Ms Gunilla Lindberg. Mr Todd Nicholson represents the Paralympic movement, providing valuable insight and guidance to us.
Since 2012, the IOC Coordination Commission has visited PyeongChang on three occasions (March 2012, June 2013, and April 2014). In April 2014, executives from the seven Winter International Federations, the Olympic Broadcasting Services and the International Paralympic Committee joined the IOC Coordination Commission in touring the construction sites and providing invaluable advice to POCOG.
Under the astute leadership of Ms Lindberg and ably supported by the IOC administration, PyeongChang 2018 has made significant progress in the course of delivering a memorable 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. POCOG also enjoys the unwavering support of the national and regional governments throughout the preparations.
11 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS The composition of the 13-member IOC Coordination Commission is as follows:
NAME COUNTRY POSITION IOC Executive Board Member Gunilla LINDBERG (Chair) SWE ANOC Secretary General Christophe DUBI SUI Olympic Games Executive Director IOC Executive Board Member René FASEL SUI IIHF President IOC Member Ottavio CINQUANTA ITA ISU President IOC Member Gian-Franco KASPER SUI FIS President AIOWF President Zaiqing YU CHN IOC Executive Board Member H.R.H. Crown Prince Frederik DEN IOC Member of Denmark Barry MAISTER, ONZM NZL IOC Member
Angela RUGGIERO USA IOC Member
Adam L. PENGILLY GBR IOC Member IOC Member Tsunekazu TAKEDA JPN IOC Marketing Commission Chair Edgar GROSPIRON FRA Olympic Champion IPC Athletes’ Council Chairperson Todd NICHOLSON CAN IPC Governing Board Member
IPC PROJECT REVIEW
To date, the members of the IPC have visited PyeongChang for the IPC Project Review on three occasions.
Through close cooperation with the IPC, PyeongChang 2018 has made significant progress in the course of delivering a memorable 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. POCOG also enjoys the unwavering support of the national and regional governments throughout the preparations.
The next IPC Project Reviews in PyeongChang are scheduled to take place in February and July 2015.
12 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS POCOG
SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Mr Yang Ho CHO is the President and CEO, having been elected unanimously at the POCOG General Assembly in July 2014. One of Korea’s most successful entrepreneurs and chairman to the flagship Korean Air, amongst other conglomerates, Mr Cho led PyeongChang’s successful third bid for the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Mr Young-jin Kwak is the Vice President of Games Planning and Administration. He also serves as the Secretary General of POCOG. Mr Junha LEE is the Vice President of Games Operations. Mr Sang- pyo KIM is the Vice President of Venues and Infrastructure, and oversees delivery of all competition venues in cooperation with Gangwon Province.
13 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS STRUCTURE
President Yang Ho Cho
Vice President Vice President Vice President Venues and Infrastructure Games Planning and Games Operations Sang-pyo KIM Administration; Junha LEE Secretary General Young-jin Kwak
Planning and Coordination Sport, including Classification (PNC) Venues and Infrastructure (VNI) (SPT/CLA) Paralympic Games Integration, Village Management (VIL) Sport Presentation (SPP) including Accessibility (PGI/ACS) Accommodation (ACM) NOC/NPC Services (NCS) Operational Readiness (OPR) Transport (TRA) Medical (MED) Test Events Management (TEM)* Arrival and Departure (AND) Doping Control (DOP) Command, Control and Technology (TEC) Venue Management (VEM) Communication (C3) Energy (NRG) Event Services (EVS) Information and Knowledge Cleaning and Waste (CNW) Press Operations (PRS) Management (IKM) Broadcast Services (BRS) Risk Management (RSK) Business Development (BUS) Sustainability (SUS)* Marketing Partner Services Legacy (LGY) (MPS) Education (EDU) Licensing (LIC) Legal (LGL) Ticketing (TKT) Security (SEC) Spectator Experience (SPX) Government Relations (GOV) City Operations (CTY) * Shared FAs People Management (PEM) Finance, including Rate Card (FIN/ RTC) Procurement (PRC) Logistics (LOG)* Brand, Identity and Look (BIL) Brand Protection (BRP) Signage (SIG) Communication, including Digital Media (COM/DIG) Culture (CUL) Ceremonies (CER) City Activities and Live Sites (LIV) Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relay (OTR/PTR)tion; Olympic and Paralympic Family Services, including Dignitary Programme (OFS/PFS) Language Services (LAN) Accreditation (ACR)
14 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS BRAND
POCOG launched its
Associated with the official Emblem( ) of 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, it symbolizes the world delivering an inherent message of peace and hope transcending race, region and impairment.
•• The symbol ‘ ’ is based on the motif of the first consonant of the second syllable of PyeongChang in the Korean alphabet, Hangul, and represents snow, ice, and winter sports stars - the athletes.
•• The symbol ‘ ’ stands for a world where people with and without impairment, athletes and spectators all come together.
•• The colors used in the Emblem are based on the motif of Korea’s traditional five cardinal colors.
15 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS SUSTAINABILITY
POCOG recognises that one of its greatest opportunities lies in its ability to create a sustainable Paralympic Games that leaves behind a powerful legacy. POCOG understands that sustainability is fundamental to the well-being of all future generations locally, regionally and globally. Consequently, POCOG has been developing action plans to instil sustainability across the key areas of environment, society, and economy.
On the Environmental front, we have focused our plans for sustainability in the areas of green construction, the reduction of our carbon footprint for transport operations, waste management, water quality management, sewage treatment, and the generation of renewable energy. We have incorporated sustainability efforts into our works on the Social fronts of employment, labour, and social awareness. We have also integrated the philosophy of sustainability on the Economic fronts of developing the Olympic Special Zone, promotion of tourism and other such projects which will undoubtedly benefit the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games and future generations.
To achieve this, the Environment team, under the vision of O2 Plus Games, has established three strategic pillars of planning: Green Games, Low-carbon Games, and Sustainable Games. Current efforts to develop guidelines for Sustainable Management that apply not only to POCOG but also to external stakeholders (including sponsors) are underway so that we can engage our stakeholders in our sustainability efforts.
POCOG is gearing up to create the framework of its sustainability report that covers environment, society, and economy comprehensively. We hope that the report will ensure transparency of POCOG practices and enhance its status as an organization of international standards that will strengthen its relationships with stakeholders and communications to the global community.
LEGACY
POCOG is seeking to establish New Horizons with our Sustainable Paralympic Legacy programme by promoting and blazing the trail for winter sports in Asia while establishing new frontiers of economic and social infrastructure, and creating sustainable environment legacies in Korea.
To realize this vision, a Legacy Committee was created in 2014 which comprises representatives from 8 relevant bodies including POCOG, the Korean government, Gangwon Province, the host city, the Korean Paralympic Committee and the Korean Olympic Committee. Efforts are being made to fulfil the commitments proposed in the Bid and to identify additional legacy opportunities through the Committee.
The Olympic Games Impact Study that includes the Paralympic Games indicators is at its first phase now- It will lay the foundation for local development strategy, and measure the Games impact on different areas of environment, society, and economy.
16 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS NPC SERVICES
In recognition of the crucial and complex role that NPCs play in representing athletes, officials and all other persons and groups affiliated to them or affected by them, POCOG has expanded NOC/NPC Services from a Team to a Department. This move will ensure that NPCs will have strong representation throughout POCOG planning and operations. Moreover, to facilitate the building of athlete-centric Games, the NPC Services Department (NCS) has been established as a part of the Sport Bureau in the POCOG organisational structure.
As the primary and sole liaison between all NPCs and POCOG, NCS will serve as a centralised provider of information and services to all NPCs.
To facilitate the participation of all NPCs in the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, we have also initiated the integration of NCS with all Functional Areas. This will ensure that all POCOG policies and procedures that are being developed will take into consideration all the needs of all NPCs. To date we have hosted multiple workshops within POCOG to build knowledge of NPCs and have, thereby, kick-started the refinement of our Games-wide planning.
As we share this journey towards the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, we look forward to building honest and constructive collaborations with all NPCs.
17 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS OUR TEAM
Inkyu PARK (Mr) Heemin JEON (Ms) NOC & NPC Services Director NPC Relations Manager Office: +82 33 350 3410 Office: +82 33 350 3354 Email: [email protected] Mobile: +82 10 4900 0629 Email: [email protected]
Myongha LEE (Mr) Hyeyeong KIM (Ms) Regional Manager - Europe Regional Manager - Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Office: +82 33 350 3414 Americas Mobile: +82 10 4075 4062 Office: +82 33 350 3411 Email: [email protected] Mobile: +82 10 9904 3264 Email: [email protected]
The PyeongChang Organizing Committee for the 2018 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games NOC & NPC Services Department 232-951 Alpensia Holiday-Inn Resort, 325 Solbong-ro, Daegwallye ong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province, Korea Fax: +82 33 350 3359 Email: [email protected] www.pyeongchang2018.com
18 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
We believe that good communication is the foundation for constructive collaborations between NPCs and POCOG. We are committed to keeping NPCs updated on developments, policies, and procedures that pertain to NPC participation. Besides NCS publications, we will contribute to the development of other Functional Area publications for NPCs.
To ensure that all NPCs receive the most up-to-date, correct and consistent information, we wish to highlight that NCS will be the only channel of information from POCOG to all NPCs.
In addition to daily contact with NPCs, we plan to utilise the following methods of communications
•• Quarterly Newsletters
•• Progress Reports
•• CdM Dossier
•• CdM Manual
•• POCOG NPC Extranet (currently being finalised)
NPC VISITS
POCOG is keen for NPCs to experience and be inspired by the beautiful host city of PyeongChang. We understand how important it is for you and your delegation to familiarise yourselves with the environment, operations and services of Pyeongchang 2018 and will be delighted to host NPC visits to support your preparations.
In consideration of the anticipated volume of visits, we ask that NPCs notify us 6 weeks in advance of any intended visit to ensure that we can accommodate your requests.
The POCOG NPC Visit policy (which was distributed with the NPC Visit Questionnaire in May) can be referred to on the POCOG NPC extranet once it is launched.
Prior to NPC visits, we request that NPCs fill out the NPC Visit Questionnaire. This will enable us to coordinate and customise NPC visits to include relevant meetings with POCOG FAs, as well as tours to competition venues in accordance to the purpose of the visits. Do note however that not all competition venues will be accessible at all times of the year due to safety reasons at construction sites.
We also seek your understanding that visits by third parties (National Paralympic Sport Federations, ministries of Sport and government agencies) on Games business will only be accepted through written notification from the responsible NPC and such visits must be led by an NPC.
We look forward to working with you to ensure that you will get the most out of your visits to PyeongChang, 19 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS Please find the following dates that are not available for 2014/ 2015 visits. (Kindly note that this table is subject to change)
YEAR DATE EVENT 2014 25 December Christmas 1 January New Year 15-16 January 4th IOC Project Review 4-5 February 4th IPC Project Review 18-20 February Seollal Holiday 1 March Independence Movement Day 17-19 March 5th IOC Coordination Commission 1 May Labour Day 5 May Children’s Day 25 May Buddha’s birthday 2015 6 June Memorial Day 10-11 June 6th IPC Project Review 23-24 July 5th IOC Project Review 15 August National Liberation Day 22-24 September 6th IOC Coordination Commission 26-18 September Korean Thanksgiving Day 3 October National Foundation Day of Korea 9 October Hangul Proclamation Day 25 December Christmas
NPC ASSISTANTS
As in previous Paralympic Games, an NPC Assistant programme will be developed for the selection and training of a number of volunteers to support NPC activities during Games time. NPC Assistants will be assigned to each NPC to provide assistance in tasks that may include administrative and language support amongst other duties.
NCS will work closely with POCOG’s workforce functional area to identify, recruit and train volunteers for this programme. We envision this programme to begin in 2016.
20 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS SPORT
POCOG has appointed Mr BAEK Sung Il as the Director General of the Sport Bureau. He is seconded from the Korean Olympic Committee. He was involved in the bid phase of PyeongChang 2018 as the Director General of International Relations in the Korean Olympic Committee, one of the supporting Organisations of the bid.
We believe that his experience and knowledge will help us to strengthen the relationships between International Paralympic Sport Federations and POCOG’s Sport Bureau.
The Sport Bureau will work concurrently towards preparing the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In line with this strategy, Sport Managers of Olympic disciplines which have a corresponding Paralympic discipline will operate both Games. We are pleased to share that all Sport Managers have been appointed.
The Sport bureau also includes two personnel dedicated to Paralympic preparations to ensure that all necessary tasks are undertaken.
Plans have been developed for our Sport Managers to participate in competitions in Korea and abroad to gain experience of hosting high-level competitions. Arrangements are being made for a variety of experts to visit Korea so that the Sport Managers can also benefit from the experts’ experience. Efforts are also currently underway to start the training programmes required for Sport Volunteers and NTOs to operate the Games.
With the hope of enhancing POCOG’s ability to plan and operate athlete centric Games, our Sport Team is planning to host knowledge workshops to educate POCOG staff about the different sports and their unique qualities.
SPORT PROGRAMME
The following 6 Sports will be included in the programme of the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Games:
•• Snowboard
•• Biathlon
•• Cross Country Skiing
•• Ice Sledge Hockey
•• Wheelchair Curling
The number of medal events will be confirmed 30 months prior to the Games and the detailed Sport Programme of the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games will be released after this number has been finalised.
21 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS COMPETITION SCHEDULES
Version 1 of the Competition Schedule is being developed in consultation with the IPC. This will be shared with all IPSFs in February 2015 following the IPC Project Review.
TEST EVENTS
POCOG is planning to run a “Test Event Cluster” where several Test Events will take place simultaneously. In particular, snow sports events, which are affected by weather, will be held exactly a year before the 2018 PyeongChang Paralympic Games. The Test Events Calendar will be announced once the events and the dates are confirmed in consultation with each IPSF.
IPSF VISITS
There has been one IPSF visit so far. We expect more visits in the upcoming season as venue construction and renovation works have begun in earnest.
WEATHER
All venues have weather stations installed and are actively recording data. In July 2014, we published and distributed our historical weather report to all NPCs. In order to ensure proficiency and professional services at Games time, forecasters from the Korean Meteorological Agency have started training for their duties at the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.
NPCs may refer to weather data on the following website: http://pc2018.kma.go.kr/en/forecast/0001.do
PARALYMPIC VENUES
OVERVIEW
The PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games will be hosted within a compact perimeter that encircles the mountains of PyeongChang and the coastal city of Gangneung.
With athletes at the heart of all POCOG planning, we seek to optimize athlete experience and increase time for their rest and recovery striving to allow athletes to reach all venues within 30 minutes of the Paralympic Village
Of our venues, the Alpensia Biathlon Centre, Yongpyong Alpine Centre and the Gangneung Indoor Ice Rink are existing venues and will undergo refurbishment. All other venues will be newly constructed.
VENUE INVESTMENT
The Central Government and the Gangwon Province Government have committed to the joint 22 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS funding of construction and upgrade of venues for the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. This will be achieved with contributions from multiple stakeholders.
The existing venue of Yongpyong will be managed by its respective venue owner while other venues will be managed by Gangwon province.
POCOG, in cooperation with various partners will endeavour to deliver the venues two years prior to the Games. This will enable POCOG to hold test events and create opportunities for athletes to train at the Paralympic Venues.
Map reflecting Korea in relation with its neighbouring countries, and PyeongChang, Gangneung, Seoul and Hoenggye in this context.
23 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS Map reflecting the Sport Venues of the Mountain and Coastal Zones. The Snowboard venue is still to be confirmed and is not reflected on this map
24 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS PARALYMPIC VILLAGE
POCOG plans to operate a single Paralympic Village to provide athletes with the best possible conditions as they prepare for their competitions. The Village will house a total of 1,700 athletes and team officials for the Paralympic Winter Games
The PyeongChang Paralympic Village is nestled against the bend of the Songchun River. Surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, this location’s peaceful environs are ideal for the rest and recuperation of your athletes. The arrangement of this location is also suited to the implementation of security that will provide NPCs with peace of mind in their ‘home away from home’ during the Games.
The PyeongChang Paralympic Village is within 30 minutes of all competition venues. Athletes and team officials can take a short shuttle ride from the Village to reach city facilities and enjoy the nightly medal ceremonies.
The Village will be newly constructed with accessibility taken into consideration from the very beginning. We expect the Village to be completed in September 2017.
PyeongChang Paralympic Village Location Pyeongchang County Sports served All Sports Planned bed capacity 1,700 beds Elevation 750 m Area 116,598 m2 Accommodation type Apartment Approximately 10 minutes to Biathlon and Cross Country venues; approximately Transfer time to competition 30 minutes to Alpine Ski and Snowboard venues venues; approximately 30 minutes to Ice Sledge Hockey and Wheelchair Curling venues) Transfer time to Opening/ Less than 5 minutes Closing Ceremony Stadium
Each Village will provide high quality services to cater to athlete preparation, training and relaxation. These services include:
•• Fully functioning NPC Services Centres
•• Business Centre
•• Athletes’ lounge
25 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS •• 24 H health oriented international dining service
•• 24 H polyclinic service
•• Resident Centres
•• Multi-faith centre
•• Gym
•• International plaza (bank, post office, floral shop, ticket centre, hair dressing salon, merchandise shop, etc.)
Our Villages will serve as a sanctuary for your athletes and team officials to work and to engage with each other, make friends and enjoy the experience of a lifetime.
ACCOMMODATION
POCOG Accommodation has secured 3,402 rooms for the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games. 512 rooms are planned for the Paralympic Family Hotel and 2,890 rooms for the Client Group Hotels. POCOG Accommodation is targeting to secure a minimum 2 percent of accessible rooms in contracted facilities, and scale up the number to 5 percent for Paralympic Family Hotels.
POCOG is planning to update information (accessible rooms, any possibility for changes, etc.) on the Paralympic Family Hotel and Client Group Hotels in December 2014. In addition, a plan for securing and improving required accessible rooms will be developed by March 2015.
TRANSPORTATION
POCOG is currently refining our transport plans in order to provide safe, effective, and reliable transport services during the Games-time. To achieve this, we will provide a tri-modal transport network, which consists of railways, roads, and airways. In addition, the characteristics and needs of each client group will be taken into consideration.
The Games-time transport plan is being developed and delivered step-by-step in consultation with expert organisations.
The first step of this process was completed in August 2013- We established basic concepts and defined the access roads infrastructure plan for Paralympic transport services.
The goal of the second part of the process is to develop client focused transport operation plans. We expect to complete this by December 2014. By utilising computer simulation analysis, we aim to establish feasible and reliable transport plans.
After the second stage of the process, we will continue to update and revise the transport plan 26 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS based on the competition schedule and other. This will enable us to provide seamless services for our clients.
Currently, 15 infrastructure projects are either well underway or being planned, 6 of these are inter-regional infrastructure projects, and the rest are projects to build or develop access roads to competition venues.
Map of the tri-modal transport system which depicts the Ports of Entry, the expressways and railroads connecting Seoul, Incheon and the Mountain and Coastal Zones
27 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS TRAVEL DISTANCES AND APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMES BETWEEN KEY VENUES Incheon International Airport Airport Yangyang International Village Mountain Olympic Plaza Paralympic Accommodation (Alpensia) Media Mountain Centre Media Main Coastal Broadcast Centre Alpensia Biathlon Centre Jeongseon Alpine Centre Yongpyong Alpine Centre Complex* Sports Gangneung
304km 246km 244km 250km 246km 276km 246km 251km 249km 276km Incheon International Airport (185min) (151min) (149min) (154min) (151min) (170min) (151min) (162min) (153min) (169min)
304km 69km 67km 74km 69km 45km 69km 100km 73km 45km Yangyang International Airport (185min) (43min) (42min) (44min) (44min) (30min) (43min) (71min) (46min) (30min)
246km 69km 2km 4km 4km 42km 2km 43km 4km 42km Mountain Olympic Village (151min) (43min) (1min) (3min) (3min) (29min) (2min) (37min) (3min) (29min)
244km 67km 2km 6km 6km 40km 2km 41km 8km 40km Paralympic Plaza (149min) (42min) (1min) (4min) (4min) (27min) (1min) (36min) (6min) (26min)
247km 70km 4km 6km 1km 43km 3km 44km 6km 43km Mountain Media Accommodation (Alpensia) (151min) (44min) (3min) (4min) (1min) (30min) (2min) (38min) (5min) (30min)
246km 69km 4km 6km 1km 43km 3km 43km 7km 42km Main Media Centre (151min) (44min) (3min) (4min) (1min) (28min) (3min) (36min) (5min) (28min)
276km 45km 42km 40km 43km 43km 42km 75km 48km 1km Coastal Broadcast Centre (170min) (30min) (29min) (27min) (30min) (28min) (28min) (56min) (32min) (1min)
246km 69km 2km 2km 3km 3km 42km 43km 8km 42km Alpensia Biathlon Centres (151min) (43min) (2min) (1min) (2min) (3min) (28min) (36min) (6min) (28min)
251km 100km 43km 41km 44km 43km 75km 43km 49km 60km Jeongseon Alpine Centre (162min) (71min) (37min) (36min) (38min) (36min) (56min) (36min) (40min) (47min)
249km 73km 4km 8km 6km 7km 48km 8km 49km 48km Yongpyong Alpine Centre (153min) (46min) (3min) (6min) (5min) (5min) (32min) (6min) (40min) (32min)
276km 45km 42km 40km 43km 42km 1km 42km 60km 48km Gangneung Sports Complex* (169min) (30min) (29min) (26min) (30min) (28min) (1min) (28min) (47min) (32min)
* Gangneung Sports Complex- Gangneung Curling Centre, Yulgok Hockey Centre HIGH SPEED RAILWAY
After the construction of the high-speed railway between Wonju and Gangneung, the travel time between the Incheon Airport and Pyeongchang will be shortened to 90 minutes (1 hour between Seoul and PyeongChang).
The ground for the high-speed railway (total length of 120.7km) was broken in June 2012 and is well underway with the progress rate of 28.8% as of November 2014. 6 out of 32 tunnelling works are already complete, and all tunnel construction will be done by early 2016. In addition, 31 out of 39 bridge projects and 40 out of 70 earthworks are currently underway.
The construction of the high-speed railway will be completed in June 2017. After a further 6 months of test runs, the high-speed train will be operational in December 2017.
NEW HIGHWAY
The ground for the 2nd Yeongdong expressway (total length of 56.95km) was broken in November 2011, and the progress rate is 41.9% as of November 2014. After the construction is done, the vehicle travel time between the Incheon Airport and PyeongChang will be 2 hours and 30 minutes (2 hours between Seoul and PyeongChang). The construction is scheduled for completion in November 2016.
Along with the existing Yeongdong expressway, the 2nd Yeongdong expressway will be one of the main access roads connecting the PyeongChang Mountain Zone, the Gangneung Coastal Zone, and other competition venues such as Bokwang (Freestyle & Snowboard) and Jeongseon Alpine Centre (Alpine Speed).The 2nd Yeongdong expressway will also serve to disperse the traffic from the Seoul metropolitan area.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Our Arrivals and Departures Team is currently developing its plans in close cooperation with all relevant functional areas so as to provide all clients with a seamless experience as they move between the Ports of Entries to their accommodations or from their accommodations to their respective departure gateways.
PORT OF ENTRY
Two airports, Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Yangyang International Airport (YNY), have been identified as ports of entry for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Both airports are designed and operated with accessible facilities and services to support passenger experience.
ICN, which is known for its cutting edge facilities and superb design, is the main gateway where the experience of the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will begin.
29 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS ICN has strategically located elevators, plenty of wheelchair-accessible toilets, reserved parking spaces (for cars) for disabled drivers and wheelchairs that are provided free of charge. Passengers who require assistance, can secure a seamless experience by informing their airlines prior to travel. Help phones located around the airport can also be used to request assistance.
Since its opening, ICN has grown from strength to strength, becoming a premier aviation hub that has consistently won accolades and awards. It has been ranked top in Airport Service Quality for 9 consecutive years, second best in the world for international cargo transportation and ninth in the world for international passenger transportation. It caters to 89 airlines and offers connections to 194 cities. ICN has managed more than 2 million tons of cargo per year since 2004. It processes approximately 41 million passengers and 7.71 million transit passengers within a year. To support all its services, ICN coordinates the work of 40,000 employees.
Not content with resting on its laurels, ICN is moving forward in realising its vision for a “Green Airport”. With significant investments made by 2015, their “Low Carbon, Green Growth” strategies are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 50,000 tons and generate total energy savings of KRW 3.1 billion.
ICN is 239 kilometres away from the PyeongChang Paralympic Village. With the new transport infrastructures in place, we will be able to offer rapid transfers from ICN to the PyeongChang Paralympic Village and the Paralympic Family hotels.
Yangyang International Airport (YNY) will serve as an alternate port of entry. YNY is located in Yangyang County in Gangwon province. It is the only international airport in the Youngdong region. It serves as an entry way to the beautiful Gangwon province, enabling visitors to easily reach Seorak Mountain and the East Sea.
YNY will serve chartered and mid-sized flights during the Paralympic Games.
MEDICAL SERVICES
POCOG will deliver a comprehensive health care programme and high quality medical services that are catered to athlete needs during the Games.
To enable your athletes to maintain their best condition throughout the Games, we will ensure that the medical staff of each NPC will be able to provide medical care and treatment to your respective athletes. We will also facilitate the creation of proper environments for each NPC to use their medical equipment, and offer medical treatment and physical therapies. To further support the medical requirements of each NPC, we are actively working with the relevant authorities to allow the importation of certain medical equipment and materials.
We plan for the most professional of our medical staff who have language skills to be stationed at all polyclinics, medical stations at venues and in first aid teams at the Field of Play so that your athletes may give their best performance with peace of mind.
All medical services provided at the Competition and Non-Competition Venues will be operated 30 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS in cooperation with all Paralympic hospitals and related organizations, and will be prepared for emergency situations and large scale incidents such as mass disasters and accidents that require emergency medical services.
Our medical services functional area is currently developing venue-specific operational plans and will review and verify the service level thoroughly in consultation with IPC medical professionals and client owners.
Our plan for medical services in the PyeongChang Paralympic Village will provide athletes with possibilities of increasing their own ability to manage themselves- such as the adjusting of one’s physical condition by providing medical treatment, physical therapy and acupuncture. We will also provide education programmes about nutrition, first aid and health care that athletes can participate in.
ANTI-DOPING
The PyeongChang 2018 Anti-Doping programme will be enforced rigorously under the provision of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s regulations according to the mandate of the IPC.
To run our Games in the spirit of the Paralympics and fair play, POCOG will facilitate the securing of the medical histories, administrative information and whereabouts of all athletes. The processing of the samples will take place in private at the KIST laboratory which is a certificate authority by WADA. The results of the doping tests will not be released until relevant parties have approved their release.
We will do our best to protect the rights of athletes by strengthening security. All tests will be conducted by the most experienced doping control officers and dedicated staff with language skills. The doping control station will be placed and activated in consideration of the Competition Schedule and the flow of athletes in order to minimize inconvenience and improve athletes’ experience of this necessary process.
SECURITY
POCOG is working in close partnership with governmental law enforcement authorities to ensure all safety and security measures are implemented without compromising our Clients’ Games experience. POCOG’s Security Department will constitute all security related institutions (NIS, Military, Police, Fire brigade, etc.). They will be responsible for guarding, access control and maintaining order at Games facilities with the support of private security guards and volunteers.
The Korean government will organise a Counter-terrorism and Security Measures Headquarters (Integrated Security Unit) to establish and implement comprehensive counter-terrorism and security measures. The Integrated Security Unit will also include the NIC, military, police and fire fighting authorities that will provide comprehensive services in guarding, public security and traffic control.
31 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS The Integrated Security Unit will operate a Security control Centre in each venue to support emergency response.
ACCREDITATION
POCOG’s Accreditation strategy is currently being developed. Discussions between our Accreditation department and all relevant functional areas are on going. We are looking forward to working on and finalising technology scoping for the ATOS system in 2015.
TECHNOLOGY
Technology is one of the key factors for the success of the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.
In an age which sees regular and large steps forward in technological advancement, we recognize the vital role that technology plays in the successful planning and staging of the Paralympic Games. This is evidenced by the successful adoption of Technology by recent Olympic and Paralympic Games in supporting efficient service, audience satisfaction and creating lasting impressions.
Korea is globally recognized as a one of the leading nations spearheading innovations in information technology. Building on this foundation, the POCOG Technology team is committed to provide comprehensive services that will connect, enable, inform and engage our partners.
POCOG is committed to supporting the daily technological needs of your delegations, as well as facilitating competitions and sport information services, broadcast and outreach to the watching world. We plan to provide reliable and advanced technology to support your delegations in their journeys during the Paralympic Games. We look forward to updating you with further details of our services as we move forward in our planning.
CEREMONIES
POCOG’s Ceremonies Functional Area is developing their plans for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Paralympic Games, the Victory Ceremonies, Medals Plaza and Team Welcome Ceremonies. We hope to offer athletes with the most memorable moment of their lives, while welcoming the world to participate in a global festival on the occasion of the Paralympic Winter Games.
The Opening and Closing Ceremonies will showcase both the traditional aspects of Korea’s and PyeongChang’s cultures, and Korea’s strengths as an information communications technology powerhouse. They will also reflect the vision of PyeongChang 2018, which seeks to promote winter sports across generations and regions. By establishing a POCOG taskforce specifically in charge of the Athlete’s Parade, we will provide athletes with a wide range of conveniences. All athletes joining in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be sharing the journey for blazing the trail towards “New Horizons.” We hope that the igniting of this pioneering spirit will set the tone for the success of the Paralympic Games and for the beginning of a long lasting legacy.
32 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS The objective of the Victories Ceremonies is to recognise, reward and celebrate the athletes in acknowledgement of their perseverance and hard work over the years. An appreciative crowd will be present to share that joy and pride. Spatial arrangements within the Medals Plaza and close cooperation with relevant Functional Areas will ensure that operations maintain a focus on the athletes.
We plan for our Team Welcome Ceremonies to be intimate and sincere events through which we can extend our warm welcomes, our congratulations and our well wishes to each NPC Team Delegation.
Moving forward in 2014, we have participated actively in the Sochi Debriefing for the Paralympics and relevant Functional Meetings so that we can build our knowledge and identify opportunities for the effective and successful delivery of all PyeongChang 2018 Ceremonies.
33 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS SPORT AND VENUE FACT SHEETS
ALPINE SKIING
ALPINE SPEED EVENTS (JEONGSEON ALPINE CENTRE)
(Image of an artist’s impression of the Jeongseon Alpine Centre)
Location: Jeongseon Alpine Centre (formerly known as Jungbong), Jeongseon
Distance from PyeongChang Paralympic Village: approximately 45km
Gross seating Capacity: 6,000 (3,000 Sitting, 3,000 Standing)
Elevation: 1370m (top of mountain) 545m (finish)
International Sport Federation: IPC Alpine Skiing
Venue Description:
The Alpine Skiing Speed Event venue will be newly built as part of the Alpensia Mountain Zone
34 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS Timeline:
Venue construction began in May 2013 and POCOG looks forward to its completion in October 2016.
Post-Games Use:
This venue will be used as a ski resort, tour gondola and MTB course following PyeongChang 2018.
ALPINE TECHNICAL EVENTS (YONGPYONG ALPINE CENTRE)
(Image of the Yongpyong Alpine Centre)
Location: Yongpyong Alpine Centre, PyeongChang
Distance from PyeongChang Paralympic Village: approximately 7km
Gross seating Capacity: capacity analysis is underway
Elevation: 1350m (top of the mountain), 959m (finish line)
International Sport Federation: IPC Alpine Skiing, coordinated by IPC Alpine Skiing Technical Committee 35 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS Venue Description:
The YongPyong Alpine Centre is located as a part of Yongpyong Resort. Yongpyong Resort has hosted the Men’s FIS Alpine World Cups 4 times (1998, 2000, 2003, and 2006) including competitions for athletes with disabilities. Far East cups are held every year at this venue.
Timeline:
This venue will be refurbished in time for Test events in 2017.
Post-Games Use:
After PyeongChang2018, the upgraded ski resort will serve as a hub for athlete training and competitions in Asia.
Sport history:
After the end of the Second World War, there was a systematic development of ski sport for people with impairments. Badgastein, Austria hosted the first documented Champsionships for skiers with an impairment in 1948.
Thereafter, the sit-ski was introduced, thereby allowing wheelchair users to ski and race.
Alpine Skiing made its Paralympic Winter Games debut in Örnsköldsvik in Sweden in 1976. Only two disciplines featured then. In 1984, in Innsbruck, Austria, Downhill was added to the Paralympic Programme. At the same time, sit-skiing featured as a demonstration sport and became a medal event at the Nagano 1998 Paralympic Games.
Since its inception in the Paralympic Winter Games, Alpine Skiing has seen a large increase in numbers over the years
36 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS SNOWBOARD
(Photo of the gondola at the Yongpyong Alpine Centre)
Location: Yongpyong Alpine Centre, PyeongChang
Distance from PyeongChang Olympic Village: approximately 7km
Gross Venue Capacity: capacity analysis is underway
Elevation: 1350m (top of the mountain)
International Sport Federation: IPC Alpine Skiing, coordinated by IPC Alpine Skiing Technical Committee
Venue Description: The Yongpyong Alpine Centre is located as a part of Yongpyong Resort. Yongpyong Resort has hosted the Men’s FIS Alpine World Cups 4 times (1998, 2000, 2003, and 2006) including competitions for athletes with disabilities. Far East cups are held every year at this venue.
Timeline:
This venue will be refurbished on time for Test events in 2017.
37 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS Post-Games Use:
After PyeongChang2018, the upgraded ski resort will serve as a hub for athlete training and competitions in Asia.
Sport History:
Since 2006, a group of organisations and individuals have actively developing the world’s first comprehensive competitive snowboarding programme for athletes with an impairment. Together with the rest of the global snowboarding community, years of effort paid off when it was announced in 2012 that Snowboard would be included at the 2014 Sochi Paralympic Games.
Snowboarding for athletes with an impairment made its Paralympic debut in the 2014 Sochi Paralympic Games with great success.
38 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS NORDIC SKIING (BIATHLON AND CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING)
(Photograph of the Alpensia Biathlon Centre)
Location: Alpensia Biathlon Centre, PyeongChang
Distance from Mountain Olympic Village: approximately 3km
Gross seating Capacity: 7,500 (3,000 Sitting, 4,500 Standing)
Elevation: 749m
International Sport Federation: IPC Nordic Skiing
Venue Description:
The Alpensia Biathlon Centre is located in Alpensia Resort which is at the heart of PyeongChang. It is a short distance from the PyeongChang Paralympic Village and easily accessed by vehicles and shuttle buses.
The Alpensia Biathlon Centre was formerly the Gangwon Provincial Biathlon Course. It was originally a B-license venue built in 1998 that was then upgraded and renamed in preparation for the 1999 Gangwon Asian Winter Games. Since then, a wide range of national competitions and trainings were held there.
Under the Alpensia Resort mater plan, an additional remodelling project was planned in close consultation with experts from the International Biathlon Union (IBU). The construction started in 39 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS May, 2005 and was completed in December, 2007. Each of the national and regional governments financed 50% of the construction cost, totalling USD 13.7 million. It is scheduled for homologation from the IPC Nordic Skiing Sport Technical Committee at the end of 2016. It also secured the A-license certification from the IBU in February 2008. The Alpensia Biathlon Centre went on to stage the 2008 IBU Biathlon World Cup and 2009 IBU Biathlon World Championships.
Timeline:
Some adjustments are currently being considered for this venue.
Post-Games Use:
This venue will be the home ground for local athletes to train. It will continue to host national competitions and potentially host international competitions in the future.
Sport History:
Biathlon
In 1988, Biathlon for athletes with a physical impairment was introduced. Soon thereafter, in 1992, athletes with a visual impairment became eligible to compete.
Biathlon would make its debut as a medal event for men and women at the Lillehammer 1994 Paralympic Winter Games. This debut would also mark the first time that Nordic skiers competed at the same venue used for the Olympic Winter Games.
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing made its first appearance at the 1976 inaugural Paralympic Winter Games which were hosted in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. Both men and women would use the classic technique in all cross country distances until skating was introduced at the Innsbruck 1984 Paralympic Winter Games. Thenceforth, events would be split into 2 different races- classical and free technique.
40 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS ICE SLEDGE HOCKEY
(Artist’s impression of the Yulgok Hockey Centre)
Location: Yulgok Hockey Centre, Gangneung Sport Complex
Distance from the PyeongChang Paralympic Village: approximately 42km
Gross seating Capacity: 10,000 seats
Elevation: 25m
International Sport Federation: IPC Ice Sledge Hockey
Olympic Winter Games Events: Men’s Tournament/ Women’s Tournament
Venue Description:
The Yulgok Hockey Centre will be located on a landfill area. As a part of POCOG’s sustainability efforts, the formerly polluted lands at the location for the Yulgok Hockey Centre will be regenerated. Together with the Gangneung Curling Complex and other ice venues from the Olympic Winter Games, the Yulgok Hockey Centre will form the Gangneung Sports Complex.
Timeline:
The Yulgok Hockey Centre began its construction in July 2014 and we expect it to be completed in
41 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS October 2016.
Post-Games Use:
The post-Games use of the Yulgok Hockey Centre is still being considered carefully to maximise the benefits of its legacy.
Sport history:
Ice sledge hockey was a direct descendant of ice hockey. It was invented at a rehabilitation centre in Stockholm, Sweden in 1960s to allow Ice Hockey fans to continue playing hockey despite physical impairments.
The sport soon won popularity and in 1969 saw the first international Ice Sledge Hockey match between a local club team from Sweden and Norway.
At the inaugural Örnsköldsvik 1976 Paralympic Winter Games in Sweden, two Swedish national teams played an exhibition match at the inaugural Örnsköldsvik 1976 Paralympic Winter Games in Sweden.
Ice Sledge Hockey made its official debut at the Lillehammer 1994 Paralympic Winter Games.
42 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS WHEELCHAIR CURLING
(Photo of the interior of the Gangneung Curling Centre)
Location: Gangneung Curling Centre, Gangneung Costal Cluster
Distance from PyeongChang Paralympic Village: approximately 42km
Gross seating Capacity: 3,500 seats
Elevation: 25m
International Sport Federation: World Curling Federation
Venue Description:
Wheelchair Curling will be held in the existing Gangneung Indoor Ice Rink. This venue has been used as a multi-sports facility since it opened in 1999.
It has staged the 2009 WCF Women’s Curling World Championships, the ISU Short Track World Cup Championships in 2007, the ISU 4 continent Figure Skating Championships in 2005, and was one of the Venues for the Winter Asian Games in 1999.
43 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS Timeline:
The Gangneung Indoor Ice Rink was constructed 1998. Renovations on the facility will take place from October 2015 to October 2016.
Post-Games Use:
The Gangneung Indoor Ice Rink will be used as an indoor sports arena after the Games.
Sport history:
Wheelchair curling made its first appearance during the 2000 World Handi Ski Championship in Crans Montana Switzerland. At that time, Switzerland and Sweden were the only countries playing the sport. Thereafter, the first World Wheelchair Curling Championships was held in January 2002. In the same year, the IPC granted official medal status to Wheelchair Curling for mixed gender teams.
From its beginnings, Wheelchair Curling has seen an explosion of interest and participation and is now practiced by athletes in more than 25 countries.
Wheelchair curling made its Paralympic debut at the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games and Sochi 2014 saw the participation of 10 teams for Wheelchair Curling.
44 NAVIGATION: TABLE OF CONTENTS