The International Olympic Committee (IOC) members will choose the successful candidate to host the 2018 Winter Games in a few hours time.

The Korean bid team was the last to present declaring “PyeongChang is ready, give us the chance to bring the Winter Games to Korea for the first time”.

PyeongChang failed to win the Games in 2010 and 2014 and is hoping 2018 will be third time lucky.

“After the disappointment we got up, dusted ourselves off and learned from our mistakes,” they said.

“We hope that you are inspired by our persistence and patience and hope you will share our visions of new horizons.”

“Our vision is about hope, we want to promote the Olympic movement and grow winter sport.”

Yh Cho, the Bid Chairman, spoke about the disappointment of losing twice previously.

”We asked ourselves how can we improve?  PyeongChang is not about Korea but to inspire athletes from other regions and millions of young children in the future.”

Korea’s President Lee spoke about the 1948 St Moritz Winter Games where his country first competed.

”We were one of the world s poorest countries,” he said. “We sent three skaters and one coach. Now Korea wants to give back to the world and the Olympic movement.”

“I guarantee you the full and unconditional support of the Korean Government for this bid. We are working hard and we will make you proud. I ask for your support today to make our Olympic dream come true.”

The Koreans are offering new venues, ultra modern facilities and a high speed train.

In a lighter moment, the Koreans had a special apology for the recently married IOC member Prince Albert of Monaco.

“Sorry you are spending your honeymoon listening to PyeongChang speaking for the third time. We promise to make it up to you in 2018.”

Mike Tancred
AOC - Durban