A series of events have been planned to mark 1,000 days to go until Pyeongchang 2018 ©Pyeongchang 2018

A series of events will take place on Saturday (May 16) to mark 1,000 days to go until the Opening Ceremony of the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games, it has been announced.

This will begin with a special commemoration, dubbed "Happy Pyeongchang, Promise for 1,000 days" in Seoul's Peace Square in the Olympic Park, in which around 4,000 people will participate, including Pyeongchang 2018 President Cho Yang-ho and the host nation's Sports, Tourism and Culture Minister Kim Jong-deok.

The event will feature performances designed to "depict the essence" of the Games, headlined by Vancouver 2010 figure skating champion and Pyeongchang 2018 Ambassador Kim Yuna, as well as five-time world champion speed skater Lee Kyou-hyuk and a variety of musical performers, including more Games ambassadors in the Sejong Soloists string orchestra,

Celebrations will continue over the weekend, with a special commemorative TV programme and winter sports related exhibitions, lucky draws and promotional booths featuring the Olympic sponsors.

Coming at a time where concerns remain over progress ahead of the Games, with a petition having been submitted last week accusing some officials of "neglecting duties" and "abusing authority", the event is a major way to bring attention back to positive aspects of preparations, and, most importantly, to enhance excitement levels among local people. 

The 1000-days-to-go events will be another way to raise the profile of the Games following the appointment of skiing superstar Lindsey Vonn as a bid ambassador, it is hoped ©Pyeongchang 2018
The 1000-days-to-go events will be another way to raise the profile of the Games following the appointment of skiing superstar Lindsey Vonn as a bid ambassador, it is hoped ©Pyeongchang 2018

Events will also take place in Pyeongchang County itself, with a fireworks display and several musical performances scheduled for Gangneung, the city where competition in ice sports will be held, while a special sculpture and poem will be unveiled in Jeongseon.

A special train from Seoul to Chuncheon, the capital of Gangwon Province, will also be set up, with winter sporting stars, youth players, and citizens to all sit together and share their inspirational stories.

“Above the progress we’ve made so far, the 1000 days out event will show Korea and the world our passion and intentions to host a successful Olympic Winter Games," said a Pyeongchang 2018 official.

“Through today’s event we hope to set off a wave of excitement about the Olympic Movement and national pride throughout the country.”

Full details of these planned events can be found here via the Pyeongchang 2018 official website.


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