Korea Hosts Special Olympics World Winter Games in Early 2013

Snow scene at Seoul Tower

Korea is set to host the Special Olympics World Winter Games in PyeongChang from 29 January to 5th February, 2013. PyeongChang will also be the host region when Korea hosts the 2018 Winter Olympics. The city of PyeongChang is located in Gangwon Province on the spectacular east coast mountain area of Korea.

The Special Olympics movement founded in 1988 promotes equality, tolerance and acceptance around the world for people with disabilities. More than 3.7 million Special Olympics athletes play, train and compete in more than 170 nations across the globe.

The Special Olympics World Winter Games will be held in PyeongChang at the popular ski resorts of Yongpyong and Alpensia and also the indoor ice rink at Gangneung. It is expected that 15,000 athletes from 120 countries will participate in the upcoming event in Korea.

The Special Olympics World Winter Games consist of seven different events including alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, short track speed skating, figure skating and floor hockey.

Korea is becoming a popular ski destination in recent years with foreign skiers showing more interest than previously now that Korea has also been awarded the rights to host the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. Excellent Korea ski packages are available through ski tour specialists Skimax www.skimax.com.au and also Mogul Ski World www.mogulski.com.au

Yongpyong Ski Resort

Further information and full competition schedule details can be found on the official Special Olympics World Winter Games website: www.2013sopoc.org/hb/en

General information on Korea and a 'Winter in Korea' brochure can be obtained by contacting the Sydney office of Korea Tourism Organization. Email today for your free copy Email: visitkorea@knto.org.au