Speaking at the South Korean team’s disbandment ceremony on Feb. 22 at Korea House at Villa Necchi Campiglio in Milan, Kim said he had “two policy takeaways” as the vice minister in charge of sports.
He said he was grateful to athletes for strong performances in events such as snowboard halfpipe and big air, where South Korea had long questioned whether it could win gold. But he said he felt sorry after hearing athletes had to move from country to country to train because they lacked facilities at home.
“When I return, I will consult with the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, including President Yoo Seung-min, and work within the government to do everything possible to ensure training venues can be provided,” Kim said.
Kim also said the government is discussing ways to expand access for winter sports athletes to the Armed Forces Athletic Corps, known as Sangmu. “There are many summer sports teams in Sangmu, but for winter sports there is only biathlon,” he said, adding that he is consulting with the Defense Ministry and has also asked the minister for support. “I hope we can join forces so winter teams can be newly established in Sangmu,” he said.
Kim, who has been in Italy since Feb. 19 to support the team during the final stretch of the Games, will also attend the closing ceremony at Verona Arena.
He said he has attended the Olympics multiple times as an administrator, including working to win hosting rights for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and serving on the organizing committee. “Each time I come, I think the Olympics are more dramatic and moving than any drama,” he said.
Kim thanked athletes for fighting to the end “on foreign ice and snow,” and also expressed gratitude to coaches, the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee and officials from each sport. He pledged to back athletes so they can train more safely and compete under better conditions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.