Winter Youth Olympic Games 2024: Gangwon’s Spotlight on the Future of International Youth Sports

1. Introduction to the Winter Youth Olympic Games 2024

Source: https://www.olympics.com.au/news/gangwon-2024-winter-youth-olympic-games-preview-0/

Gangwon 2024: An Overview

A global festival based on hope for the future, with “youth” at its core, occurs in Gangwon-do, Korea. This youth-only athletic event is called the “2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympic Games”. The Winter Youth Olympics allow young athletes worldwide to compete, conquer challenges, learn new skills, and share experiences simultaneously.

This is Asia’s first-ever Winter Youth Olympic Games event, featuring seven sports, 15 disciplines, and up to 81 detailed events. The specific sports include figure skating (short track, speed, figure), ice hockey, curling, biathlon, bobsleigh skeleton, luge, snow skiing (alpine, freestyle, snowboard, ski jumping, cross-country, Nordic combined), and curling.

Asia’s First Winter Youth Olympics:

If we further look into the historical significance of Gangwon hosting the most significant gaming events like this one. It has hosted many events like this in the past, including the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, the Pyeongchang Trout Festival, the Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival, etc. 

But this event would showcase some different effects on South Korea on a global level, just like the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, by emulating the Olympic ideal of cooperation and peace. 

Creating a combined women’s ice hockey team and the unified march of athletes from North and South Korea at the opening ceremony served as examples of devotion. Motivated by the history of harmony, Gangwon-do hopes to strengthen ties between the two Koreas by proposing to co-host the Winter Youth Olympic Games in 2024 with North Korea.

Anticipations are high that the Winter Youth Olympic Games will exert an influence on society and culture, offering numerous cultural and educational possibilities.

Key Facts and Figures:

Scheduled tentatively from January 19 to February 2, the event will span 15 days, covering Gangneung City, Pyeongchang-gun, Jeongseon-gun, and Hoengseong-gun in Gangwon-do Province.

This time, the expected number might set a record due to the participation of more than 1900 athletes. This led to the exceeding number of athletes participating in Loussane 2020, which was 1,788. Furthermore, the gender ratio of male to female will be 50%.

Around 79 countries will participate in this global-level event involving famous athletes like Shin Jia and Kim Hyungyeom. Shin Jia finished second in the ISU Junior Grand Prix Final and had two great seasons. 

A gifted athlete, Kim Hyungyeom, took part in the Youth Olympic Torch Lighting Ceremony on October 3 in Athens, Greece, and with Shin Jia, won a silver medal in the ISU Junior Grand Prix Final.

We also have Cheaun Lee, who played at the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships and won a Gold Medal in a halfpipe event. This victory made him the first Korean to win a gold medal. Next in line is Gaon Choi, who won the FIS Snowboard World Cup halfpipe final, which was held in the United States last December.

Source: https://www.francsjeux.com/en/short/China-will-make-the-number-2/

2. Exploring Gangwon: The Host Province of the 2024 Winter YOG

Gangwon’s Cultural and Natural Beauty:

Some people may recognize this picturesque and natural area, which lies east of Seoul. The scenic splendor of Gangwon Province is home to many tourist destinations and activities that people enjoy, especially those who want the outdoors. 

The popular tourist destinations in Gangwon Province include Chuncheon, the capital city with “many lakes,” and Sokcho, the ultimate destination for foodies and lovers of Korean cuisine and offers a unique experience. 

Many are familiar with Gangwon, mainly due to Pyeongchang hosting the 2018 Olympic Winter Games and various other areas within the Gangwon region.

Pyeongchang and Gangneung: The Olympic Cities:

Source: https://www.kocis.go.kr/eng/webzine/202401/sub06.html#:~:text=It%20is%20the%20%E2%80%9C2024%20Gangwon,learn%2C%20and%20share%20experiences%20simultaneously.

Both cities hold the utmost importance in South Korean sports history. Starting with PyeongChang, after the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, this city has become a center for winter sports enthusiasts, providing ease to them through its excellent transportation and hotels.

PyeongChang, the Alps of Korea, is regarded as the origin of Korean skiing. In 1949, one of Korea’s first ski areas opened, and since 1950, it has played home to national ski championships. It is often regarded as the Korean origin of winter sports.

After Pyeongchang, Gangneung emerges as the second city in consideration to offer venues for the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games. This coastal destination, accustomed to welcoming Korean tourists to its shores and pine forests, is under consideration for hosting the event. As for now, it is preparing to host the gigantic hordes of tourists coming to enjoy the Winter Young Olympic Games. 

This city is famous for the site of ice sports. The city refurbished hotels and restaurants, erected a high-speed rail station, and updated roadways to handle the hundreds of thousands of people anticipated for the Games beginning on January 19.

3. New Features and Events in Gangwon 2024

Source: https://olympics.com/en/gangwon-2024/cultural-events

Debut of Mixed Team Nordic Combined:

The mixed team Nordic combined event is a brand-new addition to the Winter Youth Olympic Games 2024 and will surely be a tournament highlight. This would trigger a layer of excitement in audiences. The main reasons for this excitement are:

• Inclusivity and Gender Equality: Traditionally, gender segregation has characterized Nordic combined events. this combined mixed event format eradicates the impediments, allowing male and female athletes to compete. This leads to the showcasing of gender equality and enables athletes to show their diverse skills and strengths, irrespective of gender.
• Team Dynamics and Strategy: The Nordic mixed team gives the sport an extra dimension of strategy and cooperation. To combine the abilities of both male and female team members in ski jumping and cross-country skiing, athletes will need to coordinate their efforts. Their synchronized performances and strategic maneuvers captivate spectators, bringing a new dimension to the sport through their dynamic partnership.

Innovations in Short Track and Freestyle Skiing:

Gangwon 2024 promises to bring new heights to winter sports enthusiasts with ground-breaking freestyle and short-track skiing advancements.
Here’s a sneak peek into why experts anticipate these additions to become the competition’s most captivating highlights:

Short Track Speed Skating: Challenging the Uncharted

In Gangwon 2024, short-track speed skating will take on a new dimension thanks to the addition of cutting-edge competitions that push competitors to their absolute limits. A thrilling mix of sprints, risk-taking moves, and photo-finish moments await spectators as athletes demonstrate their speed and agility on the ice.

Skiing Freestyle: Pushing the Boundaries

Fans of freestyle skiing are in for a treat as Gangwon 2024 adds new events to the arsenal of freestyle skiing. Proving their mettle in uncharted territory, athletes will push the limits of what’s feasible on the slopes. The innovations aim to wow fans with the inventiveness and agility of freestyle skiing, from elegant mogul runs to gravity-defying aerials.

4. Venues and Legacy of Gangwon 2024

Source: https://olympics.com/ioc/news/programme-for-the-gangwon-2024-opening-ceremony-unveiled

Gangwon 2024 is gearing up to host a melting pot of athletic talent from around the globe, showcasing the diversity and inclusivity that defines the spirit of the Winter Youth Olympic Games.

Reviving 2018 Winter Olympics Venues:

Gangwon 2024 will benefit from a large portion of the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games infrastructure. This would allow the athletes to compete in some of the same venues as Olympians from past years while also ensuring sustainable and reasonably priced YOG. The events will take place in four distinct locations.

These four locations will be Gangnenung, Jeongseon, PyeongChang, and Hoengseong. However, the organizing committee has deemed the 2018 venues ideal for specific winter sports events across different cities. They selected Gangneung for ice sports, designated Jeongseon venues for Alpine & Dual Moguls, chose PyeongChang for Nordic & Sliding Disciplines, and assigned Hoengseong for the remaining Freeski & Snowboard competitions.

A Sustainable Legacy for Gangwon:

A vision gives rise to a legacy. It includes the long-term, concrete, and intangible advantages for individuals, cities/territories, and the Olympic Movement that hosting YOG has brought about beyond the sporting events.

The YOG’s legacy priority areas are:

• Sparking increased movement and physical engagement among the youth, aiming for healthier and more active lifestyles while fostering sustained participation in organized and competitive sports.
• Advocating for youth participation, empowerment, gender equality, diversity, and inclusivity, as well as addressing specific challenges faced by young individuals, including issues like youth unemployment and dependency.
• Demonstrating innovation in sports delivery during events and focusing on various youth-related concerns such as education, health, and well-being, including mental health, promoting safe sports practices, managing dual careers, and ensuring online safety.

5. The Athletes and Nations of the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics

Source: https://olympics.com/ioc/athlete365-community

Diverse Global Participation:

YOG Gangwon 2024 has attracted 79 nations to participate in this league with top-notch talented athletes. Additionally, YOG 2024 will see the debut of five countries, marking their first participation in the games. These include Algeria, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates. Notably, the latter two nations will be inaugurated in the Olympic Games.

The competing countries will not only compete in terms of sports but will interact to share their culture, talent, and opportunities to increase relations among one another. 

Rising Stars to Watch in Gangwon 2024:

Highlighted below are the athletes to keep an eye on during Gangwon 2024:

Ludovica Righi, Alpine Skiing (Italy):

• Hails from the flat Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, akin to Olympic champions Alberto Tomba and Giuliano Razzoli
• Junior national champion in combined, super G, giant slalom, and downhill skiing.
• Gained notice with a Giant Slalom victory at the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) 2023.
• Coached in swimming by Gregorio Paltrinieri’s father, the Olympic champion.
• A gifted 16-year-old who is used to competitive athletic settings.

Miha Oserban, Alpine Skiing (Slovenia):

• Trying to carry on Slovenia’s tradition in winter sports, from the same town as Olympic winner Tina Maze.
• EYOF 2023 Giant Slalom gold champion.
• Aspiring to contribute to Slovenia’s rich skiing history, she aims to be selected for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Games.

Lara Colturi, Alpine Skiing (Albania):

• Daughter of Daniela Ceccarelli, an Italian Olympic winner.
• Made a significant impact by moving to represent Albania.
• 2022’s youngest-ever World Cup debutant, who finished in the top 30 five times.
• Junior World Championships gold champion in Super G and bronze in Giant Slalom.
• Overcame a severe knee injury sustained during training to return to peak performance.

6. Cultural Highlights and Mascot: Embracing Korean Heritage

Source: https://olympics.com/en/news/moongcho-gangwon-2024-winter-youth-olympic-games-mascot

Moongcho: Symbol of Youth and Unity:

The Korean phrase “Moongchida,” which means to combine different ideas and forces, is when Moongcho gets its name.​

A snowball, created from a snowball battle between Soohorang and Bandabi, the PyeongChang 2018 mascots, inherited the excellent sportsmanship of its predecessors from the Winter Olympics.
Gangwon 2024 provides a platform for young athletes to unite, share aspirations, and grow together through the YOG. Each snowball, with its unique shape, embodies the common value of being made of snow.

There are no victors or losers in snowball battles, and Moongcho encourages everyone to enjoy the games and live by the YOG’s values at any time.

Cultural Festivities at Gangwon 2024:

They will make a platform available for appreciating sports and Korean culture. A K-culture event will occur on January 27 at Pyeongchang Dome and on January 28 at Kwandong Hockey Centre.

The Gangneung Art Centre will host two exhibitions from January 19 to February 1: “Farthest, Highest,” including art brut artists’ creations, and “Gangwon 2024,” featuring works by artists with developmental impairments. 

The National Chorus of Korea, Korea National Opera, Korea National Contemporary Dance Company, Korea National Symphony Orchestra, Korea Arts & Culture Education Service, Korea National Opera, Korea National University of Arts, and Korea National Ballet will also provide cultural events starting January 20. Take advantage of the chance to see some of the best performers in Korea play live.

7. Sustainable Initiatives and Environmental Impact

Source: https://olympics.com/en/gangwon-2024/venues

Green Practices at the Youth Olympics:

Renewable Energy Sources: 

The Games place a substantial premium on using renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power, to diminish reliance on fossil fuels and lower the event’s carbon footprint.

Zero-Waste Management: 

Gangwon 2024 has committed to a zero-waste plan, which involves reducing the usage of single-use plastics and implementing comprehensive recycling initiatives. This will be a concerted effort by contestants and spectators to reduce the amount of waste produced.

Green Mobility Solutions: 

To cut down on emissions from transit to and from locations, the event promotes eco-friendly modes of transportation, including electric cars and bicycles.

Energy-Efficient Infrastructure: 

The energy-efficient technology installed in existing venues from the 2018 Winter Olympics highlights sustainable infrastructure repurposing.

Water Conservation Techniques: 

Reducing water use is a top concern for venues, so they have adopted techniques like rainwater collection and adequate irrigation.

Building a Sustainable Sporting Future:

Displaying Best Practices: 

Gangwon 2024 is setting a precedent by being a sustainable athletic event that can serve as a template for other events. This involves disseminating successful green efforts and thoroughly documenting them so that other event planners may follow suit.

Outreach Education:

Athletes, officials, and spectators will all participate in educational programs during the Games to increase awareness of environmental concerns. This outreach encourages sustainability and accountability among the more prominent sports community.

Long-Term Effect: 

They are not only stressing sustainability during the Games. Gangwon hopes the implemented techniques will have a long-term effect, impacting the following competitions and adding to a lasting athletic legacy.

8. How to Experience Young Olympic Gangwon 2024: Tickets and Viewing Options

Source: https://olympics.com/en/gangwon-2024/ticketing-information

Securing Your Spot at the Games:

Tickets will be free of charge for all events except the Opening Ceremony in Gangneung.

Mentioned below are the ways you can book your spot:

• The website tickets.gangwon2024.org (PC and mobile) launches on November 11 at 11:11.
• Support for KOR/ENG, email verification (optional mobile verification), older than 14 years old.
• Payment methods (debit, credit card, and direct deposit): Direct Deposit is offered in Korea.
• One temporary ticket box (of a total of four) for each Gangneung venue
• Acquisition (issuing) by session:
• PERSONAL (a maximum of 6 tickets per individual)
• GROUP (each individual may purchase up to 50 seats; more tickets are available)
• Types of tickets: Tickets on paper, print at home Electronic tickets (available via QR code, 14 days before each event)
• Paper ticket delivery OR receipt at the venue’s ticket box
• Postponement/Cancellation/Delayed: Use already purchased tickets, send out emails and SMS, etc.

Global Viewing: Streaming and Broadcasts:

Live streaming of all events at the Gangneung Curling Centre will be available on specific streams on Olympics.com and the official mobile app for the Olympics.

Olympics.com offers on-demand access to complete replays, while the official Olympic social media sites post highlights.

Conclusion: The Global Impact of Gangwon 2024

Considering the Legacy of Gangwon

The 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympic Games have left behind an enduring legacy beyond sports with their conclusion. The event featured participation from 79 countries and highlighted international friendship and cross-cultural interaction while highlighting Gangwon’s dedication to inclusion and togetherness.

The Winter Youth Olympics’ Future

Gangwon 2024 will redefine the Winter Youth Olympics, focusing on sustainability and featuring cutting-edge sporting events. The Games have raised the bar for everything from the introduction of mixed team Nordic combined to developments in freestyle and short-track skiing. The social responsibility and environmental measures displayed at Gangwon 2024 open the door for a sustainable global athletic future.