Underprivileged youths getting winter sports experience in S. Korea

In other news.

Korea hosts a special annual program that offers young foreigners with potential the chance to engage in winter sports that are not readily available in their own countries.

Our Park Kun-woo covers this program.

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 Uganda, 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.