Torch Tour Gangwon 2024 as a Journey of Solidarity
Salzburg (FIL/11 Oct 2023) There are still 100 days until the opening of the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games in South Korea on January 19, 2024.
On October 3, the Youth Olympic Torch was lit in Athens, Greece, before the torch of the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) begins its three-month journey across the Republic of Korea.
The Gangwon 2024 Torch Relay will light up the Republic of Korea with a "Journey of Solidarity.
The traditional lighting ceremony of the Olympic torch was held at the Panathinaikon Stadium in Athens on October 3, 2023. Jin Jong-oh, Co-President of the Gangwon 2024 Organizing Committee, and Spyros Capralos, IOC member and President of the Greek Olympic Committee, attended the ceremony.
In keeping with Olympic tradition, the Youth Olympic Flame was lit by sunlight reflected from a parabolic mirror. A priestess from the Temple of Hera handed the flame to the first torchbearer, 17-year-old cross-country skier and biathlete Belli Maria from Florina, Greece.
Korean figure skater Kim Hyun-gyeom, 17, freestyle skier Yun Shin-ee, 16, and Greek alpine skier Vougioukas Apostolos, 17, also took part in the relay.
IOC Member Hong Zhang, the Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for Gangwon 2024, said: “We are very excited for the Gangwon 2024 Torch Tour. This will be a special opportunity to spread the Olympic spirit throughout the host nation ahead of the YOG, and is sure to bring back happy memories of the Olympic flame’s journey across the Republic of Korea ahead of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018. As the Torch Tour begins its journey, we look forward to seeing the excitement build across the country as the countdown to Gangwon 2024 continues.”
The torch will then travel from Greece to the Republic of Korea, arriving in Seoul on October 8, where it will be welcomed by Gangwon 2024 ambassadors and youth supporters.
On October 11, a special ceremony will be held at Seoul City Hall Square to celebrate the 100 days until the YOG. At the ceremony, K-pop stars will take the stage to entertain fans, and athletes:inside will also be present to share their excitement for the YOG.
The Gangwon 2024 Torch Tour will then visit 23 cities and counties across the country before arriving in Gangwon Province. The Torch Tour will visit major metropolitan cities such as Busan, Sejong, Jeju and Gwanju, as well as famous landmarks such as Mudeungsan National Park, Sejong National Arboretum and the stunning Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as "Sunrise Peak".
The torchlight tour will visit 18 cities in Gangwon, the host province of the YOG, starting on November 7. It will start in Sokcho and pass through Goseong, Cheorwon, Samcheok, Pyeongchang and Gangneung. The Youth Olympic Fire will be hosted by middle and high schools in each city to further engage local youth.
This tour for Gangwon 2024 will provide a unique opportunity for people across the country to see the Youth Olympic Torch and will help build excitement for the Youth Olympic Games while promoting Olympic values and the importance of sport to young people across the country.
The theme of the Torch Relay is "Journey of Solidarity", highlighting the goal of bringing people together to celebrate youth and the joy of sport.
In addition to a series of cultural performances and Olympic values activities at each venue, fans and locals will also have the opportunity to meet Moongcho, the mascot of Gangwon 2024, and try out some of the sports from the YOG program.
The Torch Tour will end on January 19, 2024, when the Youth Olympic Flame will reach the Gangwon 2024 Opening Ceremony.
Approximately 1,900 athletes from 81 National Olympic Committees are expected to participate in the YOG, which will conclude on February 1, 2024.
Follow the Youth Olympic Torch Tour for Gangwon 2024: https://olympics.com/en/gangwon-2024/
photos: IOC, Copyright: Hellenic Olympic Committee
