[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] On the 20th, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon expressed his desire to host the "Seoul Olympics" again at the "2022 26th Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly," where about 800 international sports figures, including Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), gathered.
On the second day of the main session of the "2022 26th Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly" held in Seoul, Mayor Oh hosted an official dinner inviting about 800 people, including Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The dinner held at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam-gu was also attended by Ban Ki-moon, Chair of the IOC Ethics Commission, Robin Mitchell, newly appointed ANOC President, Lee Ki-heung, President of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, and Cho Hyun-jae, Chairman of the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation.
In his commemorative speech, Mayor Oh said, "Because of the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Seoul became a world-class city and South Korea was able to develop," adding, "All Korean people feel infinite gratitude toward the Olympics."
He continued, "I recently attended the 'Seoul Olympic Legacy Forum' and had a very meaningful time," stating, "The true legacy of the Olympics is the powerful force that spreads the values of peace and harmony, uniting the world as one." He emphasized, "I believe this intangible asset is especially a true legacy for Korea."
Furthermore, he added, "Therefore, I sincerely hope that Korea will host the Olympics once again."
Mayor Oh also said, "Seoul has many attractions and things to enjoy, such as Banpo Hangang Park and Insadong," urging, "Please enjoy Seoul."
IOC President Bach responded, "Korea is a country where the Olympic spirit, culture, and technology harmonize beautifully," adding, "I feel the warmth of Seoul as well as memories of the 1988 Seoul Olympics."
ANOC President Mitchell also said, "I am pleased to keep open the possibility of Seoul hosting the Olympics in the future."
At the event, Seoul City announced its vision of "International Sports City Seoul," combining sports, culture, and arts. The city also briefly introduced the "Jamsil Sports and MICE Complex" project, scheduled to begin construction by the end of 2024, through a video presentation.
The ANOC General Assembly is the largest meeting in the international sports community. Following the Executive Board meeting on the 18th, the main sessions began on the 19th around COEX in Seoul and will continue until the 21st.
Seoul City, together with the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, is hosting this assembly and has started preliminary work to bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics. The city's goal is to establish a foundation for the Olympic bid starting with this assembly.
After the failure of the "2032 Seoul-Pyongyang Olympics" bid, which was promoted during former Mayor Park Won-soon's administration, Seoul City has shifted its direction to a solo bid for the 2036 Olympics and is currently pursuing hosting the event.
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