PyeongChang 2018 Games: NOC Boss Visits South Korea Consul General In Lagos

TAIWO ADELU

Consul General of South Korea Embassy in Nigeria, His Excellency Younghoan Lee (left) receives President of Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr Habu Ahmed Gumel at the Embassy’s Lagos Office on Thursday 

For the spirit of the Winter Olympics and the love for South Korean people, the President of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr Habu Ahmed Gumel on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Consul General of South Korea in Nigeria, His Excellency Younghoan Lee, at the Embassy’s Lagos Office. 

The Winter Games tagged PyeongChang 2018 will hold from 9-25 February in the PyeongChang County, South Korea.

Gumel, who is also a member of International Olympic Committee (IOC) applauded the preparation of the people and government of South Korea for the Olympics. According to Gumel, “I have no doubt in the capability and capacity of South Korea since the country was given the hosting right at a meeting of IOC in Durban seven years ago.” Adding: “I won’t be surprised however if the country stage the best Winter Olympics ever. I have the confidence that all participants at the Olympics will enjoy the best of the Games.”

Gumel, former president of Nigeria Volleyball Federation told his host that he would be at the Olympics to watch the proceedings, as he had been in that country on two occasions for athletics tournament and the Asian Games, saying “I will be in South Korea to attend the IOC session from 6-8 February, watch the opening ceremony, some matches especially the Nigerian Bobsled team and then the closing ceremony. I will be on ground to give our team good support and I know that this Games will be a memorable one. ”

Responding, His Excellency, Younghoan Lee appreciated the visit of the NOC president. He said his country is ready to host the world next month as all preparation for the Games are in top gear.

Going memory lane, the seasoned diplomat told Gumel that the first Winter Olympics started in1924 in France, “but South Korea attended her first Winter Olympics in 1948 at the St. Morris Games in Switzerland.”

He assured that the world is going to enjoy the best hospitality of the South Korean people as the PyeongChang Games has been packaged around the traditional heritage of South Korea.

The Mascots for Winter Olympics (left) and Paralympic Winter Olympics 

He disclosed that the 2018 Winter Olympics will surpass previous editions as a total number of 102 Gold medals are at stake, adding that 92 countries will storm South Korea for the competition while the last Winter Olympics, Sochi Games had 88 nations participating.

His Excellency, Younghoan Lee later presented his guest with South Korean made souvenirs which included a booklet packaged by his country’s Ministry of Culture, Korean Ginseng, plagues, Korean calendar, and some literatures detailing the cultural heritage of South Korea.

Lee extended a hand of fellowship to Gumel as he promised to invite the NOC Boss to the Embassy once again for lunch session.