jeonju Rallies Support with Athlete Ambassadors in Bid for 2038 Olympics and Paralympics
jeonbuk Province demonstrated its commitment to securing the 2038 Summer Olympics and Paralympics on Sunday, appointing a diverse group of ambassadors and supporters at a ceremony held at the jeonju Hwasan Gymnasium. The event underscored the region’s dedication to inclusivity and leveraging the power of sport to unite the community behind a shared vision.
The appointment ceremony, attended by approximately 1,000 people including Governor Kim Kwan-young, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Provincial Council Chairman Moon Seung-woo, and Jeonju Mayor Woo Beom-ki, served as a powerful display of support for the Olympic bid and a party of the Paralympic spirit. Members of the Korea Disabled Sports Association were prominently featured, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and inclusion in the proposed Games.
The event was carefully structured to build momentum for Jeonju’s bid, featuring a pre-ceremony performance, a promotional video showcasing the city’s potential, commemorative speeches, and the official appointment of ambassadors and supporters. the approximately 90-minute ceremony culminated in a performance highlighting the Olympic hosting vision.
A key element of the event was the appointment of 19 athletes representing the Jeonbuk Sports Association for the Disabled as promotional supporters. This move signifies a commitment to having athletes, notably those with disabilities, at the forefront of promoting the Games. “This was a meaningful occasion for Jeonbuk Paralympic athletes to actively participate in the bid to host the Summer Olympics and Paralympics,” stated Governor Kim Kwan-young.
Adding further star power to the campaign, Choi Cheol-soon, a former professional soccer player with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, was named a public relations ambassador for sports for the disabled in Jeonbuk. Olympic ambassadors appointed included Kim A-rang, a former national short track speed skating team member, and Seo Seung-jae, a current national badminton team player, bolstering the promotional efforts with recognizable faces.
Governor Kim Kwan-young emphasized the potential of the Jeonju Olympics to serve as a “new national model for local cities to successfully host an international event” and to “present a direction for a lasting Olympics to the international community.” He further stated that the Games would aim to elevate South Korea’s status by combining economic feasibility, environmental sustainability, and broad public consensus.
Looking ahead, officials pledged to incorporate feedback from ongoing government deliberations and dialogue with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to refine the bid plan and ensure it meets international standards. “We will faithfully reflect the diverse opinions…continuously refining and developing our bid plan,” a senior official added.
The province is actively working to expand citizen-participatory promotional activities, particularly those centered around sports for the disabled, to build widespread support for the bid. The success of Jeonju’s bid hinges on demonstrating a clear vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and economically viable Games that will leave a lasting legacy for the region and the nation.
Why, Who, What, and How did it end?
Why: Jeonbuk Province is bidding to host the 2038 Summer Olympics and Paralympics to elevate South Korea’s status, showcase a sustainable Olympic model, and create a lasting legacy for the region.
Who: The key players are Jeonbuk Province officials, lead by Governor Kim Kwan-young, Jeonju Mayor Woo Beom-ki,
