[Olympics] Minister Hwang Hee Meets IOC President Bach to Propose 'Cultural Olympics'

"If Promoting a Cultural Olympics, It Will Enhance Cultural Diversity and Contribute to Human Harmony"
Discussion on Gangwon Winter Youth Olympics as Well: "It Will Be as Successful as the Pyeongchang Olympics"

Hwang Hee, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, who attended the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics as a government representative, proposed a Cultural Olympics to Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on the 7th, Minister Hwang emphasized that just as athletes gather at the Olympics to pursue peace and harmony among the people of the world, a similar platform should be established in the cultural domain. He stated that culture is the value through which the world harmonizes and integrates, and said, "If the IOC promotes the Cultural Olympics, it will enhance cultural diversity and contribute to human harmony." He added, "We will deliver a detailed proposal later." President Bach expressed fundamental agreement with the intention, saying, "The linkage between sports and culture is one of the missions the IOC must carry out."

The two also discussed preparations for hosting the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympic Games. Minister Hwang said, "We will make it a Peace Olympics and a competition that provides opportunities for youth from winter sports underdeveloped countries to enjoy winter sports." President Bach said, "Since the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics was successfully held, I expect and am confident that the Gangwon Winter Youth Olympic Games will also be successful." He added, "As a legacy of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, I am grateful that Korea accepted the IOC's proposal to host the Winter Youth Olympics."

The two are expected to meet again at the first-ever Olympic Legacy international forum to be held this October. President Bach gladly accepted Minister Hwang's invitation. This forum is anticipated to be a platform for exchange among global Olympic management entities to spread Olympic legacy and values, linked with the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly.

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