Kenya’s top envoy here inaugurated this year’s Dream Program, which brings over a hundred young people from more than three dozen countries around the world for intensive training in winter sports, with some experiencing a snowy climate for the first time.

“Without the organizing committee’s efforts, dedication and hard work, most of these young people would not have any idea of sports like skiing, snowboarding and skating,” said Kenyan Ambassador to South Korea Ngovi Kitau, during his inaugural speech.

Some 160 young people from 39 countries gathered in PyeongChang to participate in winter sports at the main Olympic venues at Alpensia Resort and Gangneung Ice Rink, and to soak up the Olympic spirit at the program’s Winter Sports Academy.

Many young athletes around the world train for winter sports in climates devoid of snow or ice. The Dream Program gives these athletes an opportunity to ski, snowboard and skate in cold climates and with Olympic-caliber equipment.

This year’s two-week program includes a new education session called “Champions of Tomorrow,” which introduces Olympic values to the young athletes. Over the years, some of the participants have gone on to compete in the Olympics.

Since the program was first introduced in 2004, 1,246 young people from 62 countries have participated. This year, athletes from 11 African countries are participating, including Kenya, Cameroon, Gabon, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Togo, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

The International Olympic Committee has recognized the contribution of the Dream Program to the growth of international winter sports, according to the Dream Program’s mission statement.

In anticipation of hosting Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Gangwon Province in 2018, organizers put greater emphasize on the Dream Program as a way of enhancing cultural exchange and international understanding.

The Kenyan ambassador, however, hopes that all the extra training in PyeongChang may turn into some gold medals in winter sports for his country. “It is my sincere hope that the participants will not only make it on to their national teams, but also win some medals.”

By Philip Iglauer
(ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)