Yoon meets IOC President at the opening ceremony of the Gwangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympics

President Yoon met IOC President Vikelas at the opening ceremony of the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympics on January 19. "Sports have played an important role for national economy and power in history. So the policy of the government and sports industry should go hand in hand." said Yoon. In response, Vikelas said "One advantage of sports is that we are trained without ourselves knowing because we learn rules of the games and how to respect competitors. Not only this. We can learn leadership." Also attending on the day, Culture Sports and Tourism Minister Inchon Yoo promised to promote sport for all as well as elite sport.

Yoon said "Winter Youth Olympics is taken place in South Korea for the first time in Asia and the government has work hard to make it perfect. The games will be an opportunity for the youth to compete, share and work together. They will challenge their own limitation and grow further. Gangwon-do is rich in natural environment and culture and I'm sure that you all will fall in love with it." Vikelas said "I thank you all for your devotion and hard work for the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in Gangwon. I also thank Korean people who showed their warming welcome."

Yoon has a luncheon with 40 civil servants in Gangneung

Yoon paid a visit to Gangneung City on January 19 and had a luncheon with 40 civil servants who worked hard to prepare for the games and who has contributed to making a better community. Yoon shook hands with all dinners invited and showed his thanks and encouragement. Being introduced the fire fighters sent to Canada to quench the big fire, Yoon complemented them for bridging friendship between the two countries. Yoon asked Interior and Safety Minister to provide the best fire fighting equipment in the world to them.

The minister said he would, not only to fire fighters but also to police officers who face dangers on their duty. Yoon said "Without civil servants, we cannot run the nation. We must listen to each other and work for the people with quick and fast response." said Yoon. After the luncheon, Yoon paid a visit to a cafe in the city and talked with 15 college students. The cafe donated 500 drinks to fire fighters and police officers during the big fire in the city last April. Yoon brought up his time as a prosecutor in Gangneung and listened to the difficulties of students on tuition fees, jobs and accommodations. Yoon promised students things he could do.