[Features reporter] Underprivileged youths getting winter sports experience in S. Korea

Kun-woo, I heard you visited the sport facilities in Gangwon-do Province yesterday.

So, why exactly were you there?

That's right.

I had a chance to visit the annual "Dream Program," one of the legacy projects of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, taking place in Gangwon-do Province until January 19th.

This program is well-known for giving young people from around the world the opportunity to experience winter sports, some for the first time.

So why don't we first take a closer look.

17-year-old Fatima is a promising figure skater from Peru.

She has faced many challenges due to the lack of ice rinks near home, except for a small facility that's often closed, making it difficult for her to practice regularly.

But Gangwon-do Province where the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics were held has been providing opportunities for young people like Fatima for over 20 years with the support of related organizations through the "Dream Program."

"If you have a smaller rink it's hard to train but here it's easier because the ice is better and the conditions are better. Coming here is really privileged. I wasn't really sure what I wanted to achieve but I think for now I want people to know that there is ice skating in Peru and to invite them to try it."

With better conditions, young talents have been able to practice to their fullest, gliding, jumping, and spinning.

"Every year, Gangwondo Province in South Korea runs the 'Dream Program,' bringing young athletes who lack proper facilities and coaching in their home countries to train in an ideal environment here. Let’s see how hard these athletes are working to reach their goals."

Professional coaches also helped participants train for short track, helping them give their best effort and skate at full speed.

Ski slopes covered in heavy snow are also offering unique experiences for those seeing snow for the first time.

"The snowing is very brilliant and very cool and this is the first time we come to snowing. So very interesting."

"Very cool and very experienced winter season. Thank you so much. (I'm going to) get the Olympic ready Winter Olympic."

Participants have steadily become used to the snow, to the point where they could tackle steep slopes on their own.

And despite the heavy snowfall on the day, and falling during practice, they got back up right away.

Since 2004, thousands of participants from around 100 countries, including Uganda and Guatemala, have taken part in the program, with hundreds advancing to international sports competitions.

This year, over 120 people from around 28 countries participated in the two-week program.

These young talents will be returning to their homes next week, carrying with them the dreams of one-day becoming winter sports stars representing their countries.

Park Kun-woo, Arirang News, Pyeongchang.

Kun-woo, I'm curious about the athletes that made it to international sports competitions.

Can you tell us more about them?

Of course.

Among the hundreds that advanced to such competitions, around 20 made it to the Winter Olympics or Winter Paralympics so far.

I had a chance to interview Julian Yee, the first Malaysian figure skater to compete in the Olympics and the winner of multiple international competitions who participated in the 2009 edition of the Dream Program.

One fun fact about him is that he also participated in the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

Take a listen to him sharing his experience.

"I thought that was like a huge stepping stone for me to just even realize and open my eyes to the world of winter sports. Always tell the participants to enjoy as much as they can, learn as much as they can from each other, from the coaches and most importantly to stay connected. It resonates with me a lot coming from Malaysia that we were not very developed and we made it this far."

And especially as he participated as a special coach in this year's event, he said that his current dream is to help countries with less developed figure skating programs and produce athletes who can compete on the world stage.

But Kun-woo, I've heard that climate change is changing the conditions for winter sports in Gangwon-do Province as well.

How are they working on the issue?

That's right Walter.

Unfortunately, climate change is affecting South Korea as well, and ski resorts have been postponing their opening over the previous years.

However, an official from the PyeongChang 2018 Legacy Foundation said they are working on creating indoor facilities where people can train while strengthening programs taking place at ice rinks, as they won't be affected by climate change.

He also said training during the summer season is a possible option as well, saying that athletes in sports such as cross-country skiing and ski jumping can train even in summer.

Alright Kun-woo, thanks for all of that.

And we'll see you next time.

Thank you Kun-woo.

Of course, see you.