The ceremony at the Organising Committee headquarters was also attended by current Mayor Jang-hyun Yoon, bringing the three influential South Korean officials together at a public event for the first time.

Park was particularly influential in Gwangju being chosen as hosts of the 2015 Summer Universiade before he was replaced by Kang in 2010.

Gwangju fended off competition from Edmonton, Canada and Taipei City, Chinese Taipei for the right to stage the event, and Park feels the city is ready to host a superb Universiade.

"I travelled around the world eight-and-a-half times to win the bid for the Summer Universiade," he said.

"Knowing that there are only a few months away from the Opening Ceremony, it reminds me of old memories and fills me with anticipation.

"I trust Gwangju to host a successful event.

"I will do my best as an Honorary President and help Gwangju host one of the best Universiades ever."

KEPCO chief executive Hwan-eik Cho (left) was made an honorary ambassador for the Universiade after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Gwangju 2015 ©Gwangju 2015



Yoon hailed the appointments of both Park and Kang and believes that hosting the Universiade will put Gwangju on the global map.

"Appointing former Mayor Park and Mayor Kang as honorary Presidents has given us a boost to host an outstanding Universiade," he added.

"I appreciate their support and all of their hard work for us to come so far.

"The attention of Gwangju citizens is on the 2015 Summer Universiade and I look forward to seeing Gwangju become a better and brighter city through the Universiade."

As well as the appointments of Park and Kang, Gwangju 2015 also confirmed they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Korean state-run electricity provider Korea Power Corporation (KEPCO).

Hwan-eik Cho, the chief executive of KEPCO, was handed the role of honorary ambassador after the agreement was signed.

Gwangju is expecting to welcome around 20,000 participants from 170 countries to compete in twelve days of competition and will see the athletes battle for medals in 21 different sports.

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