International Olympic Committee

5 January 2024 – Global online marketplace AliExpress, as part of its partnership with the Organising Committee for the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Gangwon 2024, unveiled the Gangwon 2024 Licensed Merchandise Online Store in Seoul. This marks a significant step towards supporting the successful hosting of the Winter YOG, set to begin on 19 January in the Republic of Korea.

Anne-Sophie Voumard, Managing Director of IOC Television & Marketing Services, stated: “The IOC is confident in the success of this new venture, as it builds on the previous success of the launch of the Olympic Store on Tmall at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.” She also emphasised “the pivotal role that AliExpress will play in bringing Olympic merchandise to a young and dynamic audience in the Republic of Korea”.

The IOC is confident in the success of this new venture as it builds on the previous success of the launch of the Olympic Store on Tmall at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.

Anne-Sophie Voumard, Managing Director of IOC Television & Marketing Services

The IOC, within the framework of Alibaba Group’s Worldwide Olympic Partnership, appointed AliExpress as the official e-commerce services partner for Gangwon 2024, further showing their joint dedication to fostering the Olympic spirit in the Republic of Korea. Alibaba has been a Worldwide Olympic Partner since 2017 and will remain a TOP Sponsor through to 2028.

Ray Zhang, the General Manager of AliExpress in the Republic of Korea, said: “It is an enlightening experience for AliExpress to participate as an official partner in the Winter Youth Olympics Gangwon 2024 in the Republic of Korea.” He added: “Just like the values and spirit of the Olympics, we hope to continue fostering sustainable growth not only in business but also alongside various companies and organisations in the Republic of Korea.”

The collaboration between AliExpress and the IOC is more than just a business partnership. It is an opportunity to underscore the values of the Olympic brand, providing a platform for the global community to celebrate the dreams and passion of the young people participating in the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024. As the countdown to the Opening Ceremony begins, this collaboration promises to elevate the Olympic experience and leave an enduring legacy in the hearts of fans worldwide.

Leon Xie, the General Manager for Olympic Business at Alibaba Group, commented: “Alibaba Group, a worldwide partner of the Olympics since 2017, has committed to help transform the Olympic Games for the digital era through cloud and e-commerce services. It has utilised its cloud technology to maximise efficiency in broadcasting Olympic events and innovated the viewing experiences of sports fans. For the upcoming Winter Youth Olympics Gangwon 2024, Alibaba Group will organise initiatives with different businesses, including AliExpress, Alibaba Cloud, etc., to keep supporting youth talent during the event.”