Visit by Governor Kim Moon-soo Lifts Spirits of Gyeonggi Province Athletes Headed for London Olympics (Published July 03, 2012)

On July 2, the Governor of Gyeonggi Province paid a visit to Taereung National Village.

At 10am on July 2, 2012, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Moon-soo visited Taereung National Village, located near Hwarang-ro in Nowon-gu, Seoul, with the purpose of supporting the Gyeonggi Province athletes who will be taking part in the 30^th Olympic Games, which will start in London at the end of the month. Kim also joined the national athletes in their training.

◇ Governor Kim serves and returns a ball with members of the Korean table tennis team.ⓒ Reporter Woo Cheol-ok

When the visitors entered the judo team’s training area, the athletes were already practicing, sweat streaming down their faces. After delivering a warm message of support to the members of the Korean judo team, Kim slipped into some judo gear, tried a few throwing techniques, and went head to head with the athletes in a short match.

Despite his busy schedule, Kim also traded some sizzling serves with the table tennis team. Every drop of sweat spoke of their dream of winning a gold medal for Korea. Even though the athletes only had a limited amount of time, they responded to the governor’s visit with a dynamic showcase match that resembled a real game and delivered some stunning serves.
◇ “Ouch!” Governor Kim is subjected to a one-arm shoulder throw in a practice match with judoka Wang Ki-chun. ⓒ Provided by G-News Plus
◇ Governor Kim received an honorary certificate for a fifth degree black belt in Judo. ⓒ G-News Plus
◇ After a hard workout, members of the judo team cheer together for a commemorative photo. ⓒ Reporter Woo Cheol-ok

On the day of his visit, Kim met with members of the table tennis team, judo team, field hockey team, and other sports teams to cheer them on. The governor encouraged the athletes, shaking each of their hands in turn with fatherly affection and showing them his sincere care and support.

With only 24 days to go before the London Olympics, Korean athletes are focused on winning gold. Their diligent efforts give them yet another reason to expect to bring home some medals. These young people have laid aside the desires and temptations characteristic of many people in their twenties and have instead chosen to bring glory to their country and kin. Every hour they spend focusing on their training makes them more deserving of our respect. We hope that the sons and daughters of Gyeonggi Province will keep the fire of passion burning!
◇ Governor Kim raises the bar at a meeting with Jang Mi-ran. ⓒ G-News Plus

The final item on the governor’s agenda was a stop at the training area for weightlifter Jang Mi-ran, who is currently serving as a public relations ambassador for Gyeonggi Province. Kim lifted up a bar that was still glistening with Jang’s sweat and tried out some of Jang’s training routine. He lifted Jang’s spirits and joined her for a rousing cheer.
◇ Governor Kim poses for the camera with Jang Mi-ran, who was a gold medalist in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and another Olympic athlete from Gyeonggi Province. ⓒ Woo Cheol-ok

“Your hard work in preparation for London makes you patriots. I want you to show the world the passion of Korea!” exclaimed Kim as he encouraged the athletes. Afterward, they all shouted together, “Go for the London Olympics! Go for gold! Go Korea!” After receiving a monetary reward and uniforms, the athletes vowed to do their best at the upcoming London Olympics and bring home some impressive results.
◇ Governor Kim and the London-bound athletes cheer together. ⓒ G-News Plus

In this year’s Olympics, some 370 Korean athletes, including 60 from Gyeonggi Province, are expected to take part in 26 events including track, swimming, handball, and wrestling. Gyeonggi Province and its residents firmly believe that the athletes’ long hours of training over the past few years will not have been in vain.

ⓒ Provided by G-News Plus | Gyeonggi Province University Student Press Corps Woo Cheol-ok (cholok318@hanmail.net)

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