22 delegates from Ireland arrived in Seoul over the weekend for the Winter Special Olympics scheduled to take place in Pyeongchan over the next couple of weeks. They were staying out in Seoul Women’s University together with teams from Jamaica and the Isle of Mann. It was here where they they got settled in and had a some cultural induction to Korea and its culture.
Altogeher there are over 2,300 athletes in Korea for the winter games, and 14 of these are from Ireland!
Last night, Seoul Women’s University bid farewell to the three teams, and I was lucky enough to be invited to meet the teams and wish them all the best on behalf of the Irish community in Korea.
The team were really enjoying their visit so far, and they were very grateful for the level of care and involvement by their hosts, Seoul Women’s University. Special praise was given to the ‘buddies’, who were basically university students partnered with each athlete. They befriended them, told them about Korea, and was basically a friend, which allowed for a wonderful camp atmosphere, and helped the athletes become more comfortable with their stay here.
While in Seoul Women’s University they underwent orientation, learned some simple Korean, taekwondo, dressed in Hanboks, and even managed a tour of Myeongdong. A wonderful time was had by all.
The team left of Pyeongchang this morning at 7am for the opening ceremony today, while the action will get under way tomorrow.
For more on the Winter Special in Olympics here in Korea click here!
Below are some photos taken last night at the farewell party in Seoul Women’s University.
Irish Association of Korea 한국아일랜드협회 