Daegu seeks to impress international sports team
At Daegu Airport, Daegu Mayor Kim Bum-il, center, welcomes members of an inspection team from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) who arrived in Daegu yesterday evening for a four-day inspection of the city. [YONHAP]
The fact-finding delegation has already visited Moscow and Barcelona, which are also bidding for the event. Its most recent stop was Brisbane, Australia. A final decision will be made on March 27.
South Korean officials are taking a two-track approach to earn high marks from the delegation. After looking at preparations by Brisbane, vice president Helmut Digel pointed out that the Australian city’s strength was a passion for sports that would guarantee a “sold out championship,” Reuters reported on Wednesday. “Sport is in the center of the interest of the public here. You talk to the people and they understand sport, the rules and the message of fair play,” Mr. Digel said.
South Korean officials think they can make their bid for the event attractive by emphasizing the modern sports facilities, which were built for the 2002 World Cup. Meanwhile, 500 citizens of the city were stationed yesterday along venues scheduled to be visited by the delegation in order to cheer them on, and taxis in the area attached little flags promoting the city’s bid.
In addition, the Korea Athletic Federation and Culture Ministry are planning to present an overall development plan to the federation that will outline the city’s plan to promote track and field here.
The building of a new complex and scholarships in the amount of 50 million won ($53,000) for two years to young track and field athletes are some of the ambitious plans the city will present as part of its efforts to improve the sport’s popularity, which officials have admitted is weaker than in Australia.
By Shin Dong-jae JoongAng Ilbo [africanu@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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