One month to go: Gangwon 2024 set to inspire and entertain
International Olympic Committee
19 December 2023 – With just one month remaining until the start of the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Gangwon 2024, excitement continues to build for what is set to be a spectacular showcase of young sporting talent and cultural celebrations.
More than sport
Besides the sporting competitions of Gangwon 2024, an array of off-field activities for athletes and fans alike will also be taking place. The Let’s Play Winter festival sites across the host region will offer visitors the chance to engage with winter sports and learn about the Olympic values. Visitors will also enjoy an incredible programme of cultural performances.
These include skate nights, where fans can glide on the ice to the beats of renowned Korean DJs, plus snow tubing and speed skiing challenges for those looking for more of an adrenaline rush.
Festival visitors will also be able to engage in a wide range of sports activities, including ice hockey, skating and curling initiations, while interactive photo zones, face painting, hands-on crafts and immersive VR experiences will also be on offer.
Accessible and inclusive: Free tickets for all
In a move to make the Games as accessible as possible, tickets are free of charge for all events except the Opening Ceremony in Gangneung. This initiative underscores Gangwon 2024’s commitment to fostering a spirit of inclusivity and community engagement, with fans eager to witness the future of winter sports able to book their tickets at tickets.gangwon2024.org.
Star support
China’s two-time Olympic and Youth Olympic freestyle skiing champion and record-holder Eileen Gu is the Global Ambassador for Gangwon 2024. PyeongChang 2018 Olympic skeleton gold medallist Yun Sung-bin is also supporting the Winter YOG as ambassadors, while Korean volleyball player Kim Yeon-koung has also shared her enthusiasm.
In addition, Gangwon 2024 will benefit from the support of stars away from the world of sport. Actor Lee Dong-wook and K-pop singer Minho have been appointed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as Olympic™ Friends, a new programme that allows famous figures from outside the sports world to join the Olympic Movement and spread the Olympic values. The two superstars will also be attending the competitions as spectators.
Events will be held in 15 disciplines across seven sports, with a mixed-gender relay event in cross-country skiing set to replace two cross-country cross freestyle events from the Winter YOG Lausanne 2020, while a mixed-gender Nordic combined team event and 1,500m individual races in short-track speed skating will be contested for the first time.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Gangwon Province in the Republic of Korea, the YOG will run from 19 January to 1 February 2024, featuring around 1,900 athletes from 81 National Olympic Committees.
