The President speaks at PyeongChang’s final presentation session to provide support for PyeongChang’s bid to host the Winter Olympics

President Jacques Rogge, distinguished members of the IOC,

The Olympic Movement is one of the most powerful legacies created by mankind. Its beautiful values have united people by transcending race, religion and culture. Our vision of a “New Horizons” is a reflection of this Olympic spirit.

The Korean people value hard work, friendship and fair play-values that are part of the Olympic Movement.

Korea first took part in the 1948 Winter Games in St. Moritz. Our participation was remarkable. We were one of the world’s poorest countries at the time. We did not even have a government. Our people donated whatever they had so that Korea could send three skaters, one coach and one staff to St. Moritz.

Forty years later after taking part in our first Winter Games, Korea was honored to host the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games.

The Seoul Games gave the Korean people powerful lessons about the Olympic values. The Games also gave our people hope for a better future.

Distinguished members of the IOC,

I served as a bureau member of FINA for many years; I am a fellow sportsman, just like many of you. This is why I appreciate more than anyone what the IOC and the Olympic Movement has given our nation.

And now, Korea wants to give back to the Olympic Movement and to the world.

PyeongChang 2018 is a national priority of the Korean government and has been so for the last ten years.

As president of the Republic of Korea, I guarantee you the full and unconditional support of the Korean government for every commitment in our 2018 Winter Games bid.

We have worked hard.

We will make you proud.

I ask for your support today so that we can finally make our Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games dream come true.

Thank you.
Merci beaucoup.