From l. to r., GUOC Honorary President Kwang-tae Park, Mayor Jang-hyun Yoon, and GUOC Honorary President Un-tae Kang at the appointment ceremony
GWANGJU – Two former Mayors of Gwangju Metropolitan City have come together at the Gwangju 2015 Universiade Organizing Committee (GUOC) headquarters to be appointed as the new Honorary Presidents of the Gwangju Universiade. Former mayor Kwang-tae Park was in charge of Gwangju winning the bid for the 2015 Summer Universiade in 2009. Former mayor Kang Un-tae took office in July, 2010 for 4 years. He has laid a solid foundation for the Gwangju Universiade during his years in office.
“Appointing former mayor Park and mayor Kang as Honorary Presidents has given us a boost to host an outstanding Universiade. Gwangju citizens are focused on the 2015 Summer Universiade”, said mayor Jang-hyun Yoon.
GUOC Honorary President Park commented, “I traveled around the world 8 and a half times to win the bid for the Summer Universiade. Knowing that there are only a few months away from the opening ceremony, it reminds me of old memories and fills me with anticipation. I trust Gwangju to host a successful event. The honor should go to the citizens of Gwangju and mayor YOON. I will do my best as an Honorary President and help Gwangju host one of the best Universiades ever.”
GUOC President Jang-hyun Yoon and KESCO CEO Sang-kwon Lee
Honorary President KANG added, “I am happy and thankful to be an Honorary President. It has been a while since I have visited the GUOC headquarters. It is not easy to leave one’s mark in history. But I am confident that Gwangju will host a successful Universiade and make history in the international sporting community. I hope we also don’t forget that the Gwangju Universiade should be of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
In the meantime, the GUOC 2015 signed two Memorandum of Understanding with KEPCO (Korea Electric Power Corporation), Korea’s state–run electricity provider, and KESCO (Korea Electrical Safety Corporation) in order to generate a framework for their future collaboration.
Both KEPCO and KESCO have expressed their support for Gwangju to host a successful Universiade, which is the biggest international sporting event held in the region.
KEPCO will provide emergency power systems at key Universiade venues and host a “Clean Day” event with the GUOC, but also assistance in operating the power facilities and dispatch the KEPCO 119 Disaster Rescue Team in case of an emergency. In addition, staff and family members of KEPCO have offered to volunteer at the Gwangju Universiade. “I hope our mutual cooperation can become the foundation of hosting a successful Universiade. KEPCO will work hard to achieve our common goal to host an outstanding event.” said Hwan-eik Cho, CEO of KEPCO but also appointed as the first Honorary Ambassador of the Gwangju 2015 Universiade.
KEPCO CEO Hwan-eik Cho and GUOC President Jang-hyun Yoon
KESCO will work hard to help make Gwangju Universiade a success. The company will promote the Universiade Gwangju 2015 while raising safety awareness, be on standby in case of any emergencies, and purchase Universiade tickets for the underprivileged.
“This is the time when cooperation with public organizations is needed more than ever. The new found friendship with KESCO and KEPCO will take us one step closer to hosting a successful mega-sporting event.” said Jang-hyun Yoon, GUOC President and Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City.
(Source: GUOC 2015)