Watch today, New Year's Eve at 1:00P Eastern Ski Jumping Trials for Team USA LIVE from Park City, UT.
More Information: USSkiTeam.com
Men's and Women's Long Track Speedskating Team Trials will air LIVE on NBC Sports Network January 2-7, 2018. Trial results will be combined with those from previous 2017 Fall World Cup Qualifier events to determine which athletes will represent Team USA!
More Information: USSpeedskating.org
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Friday, December 29, 2017
Seollal Coincides with 2018 Winter Olympics in Korea
South Koreans will enjoy extra pleasure during Seollal or Lunar New Year, a prelude to the Winter Olympics. During 2018, Soellal occurs January 27-29.
Koreans wear ritual clothing to honor beloved ancestors and reconnect with relatives during family celebrations. Millions will travel by train, bus and plane to their hometowns.
Some of the most popular gifts are store gift cards and cash, as well as health products, ginseng, honey and toiletries. Many look forward to receiving presents of hangwa, traditional sweets and cookies, Korean beef and seafood and fruit.
During Lunar New Year, families may play yutnori, a traditional board game. Players move markers around a game board based on counting up-facing sticks which are thrown. The one who first successfully navigates around the board is the winner!
10 Most Beautiful Towns in South Korea
Koreans wear ritual clothing to honor beloved ancestors and reconnect with relatives during family celebrations. Millions will travel by train, bus and plane to their hometowns.
Some of the most popular gifts are store gift cards and cash, as well as health products, ginseng, honey and toiletries. Many look forward to receiving presents of hangwa, traditional sweets and cookies, Korean beef and seafood and fruit.
During Lunar New Year, families may play yutnori, a traditional board game. Players move markers around a game board based on counting up-facing sticks which are thrown. The one who first successfully navigates around the board is the winner!
10 Most Beautiful Towns in South Korea
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| www.flickr.com |
Sunday, December 24, 2017
'All Too Human' - merits consideration as conflict increases
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Two Koreas -- Learning Before a Journey
I was fortunate to complete a short course offered by Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of The University of Alabama (UA) College of Continuing Studies entitled, "Korea(s): History and Contemporary Challenges." The instructor, Adamu (A.K.) Shauku, is a former US Army Korean Intelligence Interceptor and translator and currently Professor of Political Science at UA. We explored the history of the Korean peninsula, providing context for the challenges that confront the Korean people today and the unique problem of North Korea in world politics.
Students learned of the rich culture of the Korean people, influences on Korean life and politics from Shamanism, Confucianism, Buddhism and Christianity. A.K. explained the meaning of key terms (e.g., Jeong, Nam, Chaebols), how past occupation of the peninsula by other Nations affects attitudes toward their neighbors and Western powers, and effects of post-war international sanctions. Students asked many probing and thoughtful questions indicating great interest in learning more about Asia -- a great experience for a Paralympic volunteer!
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| www.spendlifetraveling.com |
Students learned of the rich culture of the Korean people, influences on Korean life and politics from Shamanism, Confucianism, Buddhism and Christianity. A.K. explained the meaning of key terms (e.g., Jeong, Nam, Chaebols), how past occupation of the peninsula by other Nations affects attitudes toward their neighbors and Western powers, and effects of post-war international sanctions. Students asked many probing and thoughtful questions indicating great interest in learning more about Asia -- a great experience for a Paralympic volunteer!
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| South Korea topography / wikimedia.org |
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Preparing for PyeongChang - A volunteer's journey
Only 79 days remain before the start of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games! Excitement builds among host country and international volunteers in support of the Olympic Organizing Committee and People of Korea.
Becoming a volunteer for an international sporting event requires patience and much persistence. Steps are many, including researching volunteer opportunities and requirements, submitting an online application nearly one year before the event, and review of credentials by Games Organizing Committee. If all steps are passed, the volunteer is invited to complete timed written and verbal examinations, join a SKYPE interview with a Games official, and confirm volunteer duty assignment.
It is challenging to assemble a talented workforce of thousands of volunteers for hundreds of work roles. Unfortunately, not all applicants will be selected as Games Time volunteers.
Following successful recruitment, the international volunteer must make travel arrangements, secure accommodations, and schedule training of several phases -- online language and culture and in-country training for the Games Time assignment. Don't neglect to purchase travel and international health insurance!
The PyeongChang 2018 Volunteer must complete Korean Language Cultural Awareness Course of 31 lessons hosted by Pagoda Academy, Inc. Content includes Introduction to the Korean Alphabet, Using Public Transportation, Expressing Emotions, Volunteering, Managing Emergencies, Asking for Help and much more! Training is moderated by bilingual teachers in an interactive video format.
For instance, in the lesson Expressing Emotions, the trainee learns how to express happiness, hunger, thirst, preference for a team and athlete, and the importance of respect for elders. There is much to learn to insure a happy, safe and successful Winter Games. Together, we are a committed PASSION CREW - Ari, Ari!
Becoming a volunteer for an international sporting event requires patience and much persistence. Steps are many, including researching volunteer opportunities and requirements, submitting an online application nearly one year before the event, and review of credentials by Games Organizing Committee. If all steps are passed, the volunteer is invited to complete timed written and verbal examinations, join a SKYPE interview with a Games official, and confirm volunteer duty assignment.
It is challenging to assemble a talented workforce of thousands of volunteers for hundreds of work roles. Unfortunately, not all applicants will be selected as Games Time volunteers.
Following successful recruitment, the international volunteer must make travel arrangements, secure accommodations, and schedule training of several phases -- online language and culture and in-country training for the Games Time assignment. Don't neglect to purchase travel and international health insurance!
The PyeongChang 2018 Volunteer must complete Korean Language Cultural Awareness Course of 31 lessons hosted by Pagoda Academy, Inc. Content includes Introduction to the Korean Alphabet, Using Public Transportation, Expressing Emotions, Volunteering, Managing Emergencies, Asking for Help and much more! Training is moderated by bilingual teachers in an interactive video format.
For instance, in the lesson Expressing Emotions, the trainee learns how to express happiness, hunger, thirst, preference for a team and athlete, and the importance of respect for elders. There is much to learn to insure a happy, safe and successful Winter Games. Together, we are a committed PASSION CREW - Ari, Ari!
“When PyeongChang welcomes all the world, it will be your smiles, and your warm welcome that people will remember forever,” said the IOC President. “Your passion will connect the world with a wonderful Korean culture and well-known hospitality. Volunteering brings out the best in us. And the Games could not happen without your participation. You are an essential part of PyeongChang 2018.
Sunday, November 12, 2017
Torchbearers Spread Olympic Fever Across South Korea
Follow the torchbearer tour across South Korea, which began November 1, see itinerary.
The theme for the torchbearer tour is "Let Everyone Shine!"
Originating in historic Greece, the torch will follow a journey of 101 days by land, sea and air and be borne by young and old. The specially designed torch can withstand extremes, remaining alight including subzero temperatures.
Torch arrival with fireworks
Torchbearers represent individuals who are pursuing their dreams and opening new horizons, including individuals with disabilities. The route will pass through 9 provinces, 8 major cities and 151 counties and districts. Many gather to happily greet the torch upon its arrival, celebrating with applause, music and fireworks.
Day 12 Photo - Olympic Torchbearers
The theme for the torchbearer tour is "Let Everyone Shine!"
Originating in historic Greece, the torch will follow a journey of 101 days by land, sea and air and be borne by young and old. The specially designed torch can withstand extremes, remaining alight including subzero temperatures.
Torch arrival with fireworks
Torchbearers represent individuals who are pursuing their dreams and opening new horizons, including individuals with disabilities. The route will pass through 9 provinces, 8 major cities and 151 counties and districts. Many gather to happily greet the torch upon its arrival, celebrating with applause, music and fireworks.
Day 12 Photo - Olympic Torchbearers
Friday, October 13, 2017
What sports will be featured during 2018 Paralympic Games?
The 2018 Paralympic Games to be held 9-18 March, 2018 will feature exciting snow and ice sports, including Para Alpine Skiing, Para Biathlon, Para Cross-Country Skiing, Para Ice Hockey, Para Snowboard and Wheelchair Curling.
For instance, Para Alpine Skiing debuted as an Olympic sport in Sweden in 1976 by injured veterans who wanted to practice their sport following WWII. Within this classification are Downhill, Super-G, Super Combined, Giant Slalom and Slalom. Athletes are classified into Visually Impaired (B1-B3), Standing (LW1-LW9) and Sitting (LW10-LW12) categories.
A second Paralympic Winter sport is Para Ice Hockey. Fifteen athletes compete during three 15-minute periods with a time out between each period. Five players (two defensemen and three forwards), plus a goaltender may be on ice for play at one time.
Spectators will gather in the Olympic Stadium in PyeongChang for opening and closing ceremonies; snow sports will be held in PyeongChang and Jeongseon Area. Ice sports will be held at Gangneung in Olympic Park and at Kwandong University. Planners have mapped routes for autos, express buses, shuttles and train, moving fans and athletes between venues.
Paralympics Emblem
For instance, Para Alpine Skiing debuted as an Olympic sport in Sweden in 1976 by injured veterans who wanted to practice their sport following WWII. Within this classification are Downhill, Super-G, Super Combined, Giant Slalom and Slalom. Athletes are classified into Visually Impaired (B1-B3), Standing (LW1-LW9) and Sitting (LW10-LW12) categories.
A second Paralympic Winter sport is Para Ice Hockey. Fifteen athletes compete during three 15-minute periods with a time out between each period. Five players (two defensemen and three forwards), plus a goaltender may be on ice for play at one time.
Spectators will gather in the Olympic Stadium in PyeongChang for opening and closing ceremonies; snow sports will be held in PyeongChang and Jeongseon Area. Ice sports will be held at Gangneung in Olympic Park and at Kwandong University. Planners have mapped routes for autos, express buses, shuttles and train, moving fans and athletes between venues.
Identity of the Games - "The emblem symbolises a world open to everyone. It combines the image of ice and snow, winter sports stars (athletes), and people from all over the world, coming together in PyeongChang where heaven meets earth."
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Countdown to Pyeong Chang and 2018 Winter Games
Anticipation is building for 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games hosted by South Korea
in three dynamic alpine regions, Pyeong Chang, Gangneung and Jeongseon beginning 9 February.
Exciting new venues have been constructed to welcome athletes, coaches and fans from across the Globe! The shape of a pentagon symbolizes five goals of the Winter Games: the economy, the environment, IT, the arts and peace.
in three dynamic alpine regions, Pyeong Chang, Gangneung and Jeongseon beginning 9 February.
Exciting new venues have been constructed to welcome athletes, coaches and fans from across the Globe! The shape of a pentagon symbolizes five goals of the Winter Games: the economy, the environment, IT, the arts and peace.
Pyeong Chang Introduction to the Host City - cited in the Alps of Korea, 700 metres above sea level features many activities, including skiing, cave tours, traditional marketplace, Daegwalryeong Flower Snow Festival, winter trout fishing, and more!
Two mascots, Soohorang and Bandabi, playfully welcome fans of all ages. Soohorang, the white tiger, is Korea's guardian, who represents protection for the athletes. His partner is Bandabi, an Asiatic black bear. Bandabi stands for equality and harmony and will encourage athletes to excel.
Watch for more updates!
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