Chair Coventry: "Many Opportunities for Cooperation"
Shared Belief That Sports Can Serve as a 'Means of Peace'
Agreement on Expanding Investment in Sports, Including Community Sports
President Lee Presents Handmade Seal Engraved in Korean
President Lee Jaemyung met with Kirsty Coventry, Chair of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and requested her interest and support for the development and advancement of sports in the Republic of Korea.
On the afternoon of December 3, at the presidential office in Yongsan, President Lee received Chair Coventry and said, "You will be leading the IOC for a long time to come, and it is only natural to devote yourself to the development of global sports," expressing his request.
President Lee stated, "The people of the Republic of Korea feel very close to the IOC," and added, "I want to express our strong support for you as you work tirelessly for the advancement of global sports."
He continued, "I also support your remarkable journey, which is setting new records," and said, "I feel that the development of global sports will accelerate even further."
In response, Chair Coventry said, "I am deeply impressed by the many activities you have undertaken both in Korea and internationally since taking office," and added, "The Olympic Movement has many fond memories with Korea and enjoys an excellent working relationship."
Chair Coventry also remarked, "I personally attended the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics. Although the weather was extremely cold, I remember it as a very successful Olympics," and continued, "I also visited again during the Gangwon Youth Olympic Games, which I recall was another tremendous success." She added, "There will be many opportunities for us to cooperate for the sake of international sports and for Korea."
Additionally, regarding her attendance at the World Anti-Doping Agency Conference held in Busan, she said, "It seems that the work is progressing very well, and I also had a good meeting with the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism yesterday."
During the subsequent closed-door meeting, President Lee and Chair Coventry agreed that sports can serve as a means of promoting peace. In particular, when President Lee mentioned that sports could help improve inter-Korean relations, Chair Coventry expressed her agreement, recalling, "I remember the unified team marching in together at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics," according to presidential spokesperson Kim Namjun.
Furthermore, when Chair Coventry emphasized the importance of community sports for building healthy and sustainable local communities, President Lee agreed, stating, "As economic and social development progresses, the demand for sports will also increase," and highlighted the need to expand investment in sports, including community sports.
At the conclusion of the meeting, President Lee expressed his intention to visit the IOC. Chair Coventry warmly welcomed this and invited him to visit the IOC headquarters in Switzerland or attend the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, which will take place in a few months. Spokesperson Kim explained, "Finally, Chair Coventry presented President Lee with a model olive tree, the symbol of the IOC and located at its headquarters, and President Lee responded by gifting her a handmade seal engraved with her name in Korean."
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