Olympics Opening Ceremony To Focus On Peace

PyeongChang Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games officials revealed on Tuesday its plans for Opening and Closing Ceremonies, with a specific emphasis on efforts to shield spectators from the cold weather.

Spectators at the open-air Olympic Stadium will be given six items to combat the cold and allow them to enjoy the celebration in comfort. The items include: a raincoat, lap blanket, knit caps, a warm seat cushion and multiple hand and feet warmers. 

Organizers also increased the number of medical stations from four to five and the number of medical personnel from 52 to 165. 

At the Opening Ceremony, which begins at 8 p.m. on Feb. 9, POCOG will also provide patio heaters around the corridors; hot food and beverages at 10 concession stands; mobile food stores; 16 rooms with wind screens where spectators can stop in and take a break from the cold. Hawkers selling hot drinks will roam the aisles. Spectators are encouraged to dress warmly and use mufflers, thick socks and heat packs. 

The Ceremony message will centre on peace, with five children from rural Gangwon province leading the fairytale adventure, and will include animals, nature and a cast of 2,000. Augmented Reality and 5G technology will be incorporated but the primary focus is on the people.

Six hundred buses will transport visitors to the event venue. About 43,000 are expected to attend. Drivers can use one of eight parking lots – four in Gangneung and four near PyeongChang, where snow sports events will be held. Only authorized vehicles will be allowed near competition venues. The majority of drivers are likely to park at Daegwallyeong Transport Mall and walk about 20 minutes to the venue.

Spectators will benefit from warming measures before they even reach the event. There will also be 13 tents and food trucks to provide hot drinks on the route to the stadium supervised by Kang Hee-up, head of the traffic and transportation bureau for POCOG.

The Closing Ceremony on Feb. 25 will tell the story of The Next Wave and will focus on the human spirit of perseverance. The program, which will incorporate music, dance and art, will be somewhat interactive, allowing spectators to both get involved and stay warm.