SEOUL, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach said young athletes are following in the footsteps of sporting icons who made Olympic history at the Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang 2018, as the opening ceremony of Gangwon 2024 took place in Gangneung Oval, South Korea, on Friday.
The IOC chief offered his support and suggestions to the young athletes in his speech, encouraging them to give of their best. "Now, it is your turn, give it your best at your first Olympic competition, make new friends, live the Olympic values, respect yourself, respect your competitors, respect the rules, enjoy your Olympic experience. This is your time to grow together and to shine forever," he said.
Bach expressed gratitude to host nation South Korea on behalf of the IOC for giving this new generation of young athletes the stage to live their Olympic dreams. "This is a true Olympic legacy," the IOC chief concluded.
Asia's first Winter Youth Olympic Games kicked off on 19 January, with the opening ceremony taking place simultaneously at the Gangneung Oval and PyeongChang Dome.
Gangwon 2024 will be held from January 19 to February 1, with 1,802 athletes from 78 Olympic Committees expected to compete. ■