About 30% of National Team Members from Gangwon
February 6-22... Confirming Gangwon as the Mecca of Winter Sports
Governor Jin Tae Kim Encourages Athletes: "Show the Skills You Have Honed in Training"
Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Jin Tae Kim) held a send-off ceremony on the 19th in the small conference room of the new provincial government building to wish success to the provincial athletes participating in the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics.
Jin Tae Kim, Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, held a send-off ceremony on the 19th in the small conference room of the new government building to wish success to the provincial athletes participating in the 2026 Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics, followed by a commemorative photo session. Provided by Gangwon Province
The upcoming Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics will be held from February 6 to 22, and South Korea plans to send a delegation of approximately 70 athletes competing in six disciplines.
Among them, the provincial team from Gangwon is expected to consist of about 20 athletes, which accounts for one-quarter of the national team.
The send-off ceremony was attended by Governor Jin Tae Kim, Gangwon Sports Council President Heegu Yang, Gangwon Skating Union President Bokhee Kwon, Gangwon Bobsleigh Federation President Geontak Jeon, short track speed skater Daehun Hwang, as well as athletes and coaches from the speed skating, skeleton, and bobsleigh teams.
Representing the athletes, Daehun Hwang stated, "Today marks the starting line where we reaffirm our determination. The provincial team stands here not as individuals but as a team, not for records but out of responsibility. We will show the results of the time and effort we have built up in training through our performance in the competition."
Governor Jin Tae Kim said, "This is likely the first time a send-off ceremony is being held at the provincial level anywhere in the country. The fact that Gangwon accounts for about 30% of the national team proves that Gangwon is the mecca of winter sports."
He added, "Although I cannot be there to cheer you on in person, a cheering squad led by Sports Council President Heegu Yang will visit the site. Show the skills you have honed through your training, and let us meet again after the competition," encouraging the athletes.
Meanwhile, the province is investing about 600 million won in supporting school athletic teams and athlete organizations to foster winter sports disciplines.
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