Anchor: With just a couple days to go before the PyeongChang Winter Olympics kicks off, the athletes' village has opened its doors to Olympians from around the world. The PyeongChang Organizing Committee has named two Olympic gold medal-winning athletes as honorary ‘mayors’ of the village throughout the period of the games. South Korea’s sole International Olympic Committee member Ryu Seung-min is one of those mayors. He welcomed the Olympic athletes in an interview with KBS Korea 24.
Our Oh Soo-young has more.

Report: A record two-thousand-925 athletes from 92 countries and regions set to participate in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics are settling into their home for the month -- the PyeongChang Olympic Village.

Former Olympian and gold medalist in table tennis Ryu Seung-min welcomed the athletes in his honorary role as mayor of the village.

In an interview with KBS World Radio Korea 24, Ryu expressed his dedication to the role of supporting the largest-ever number of Olympians, stepping into their shoes as a four-time Olympic athlete.

[Sound bite: PyeongChang Olympic Village Mayor Ryu Seung-min (English)]
“Through my four times’ experience in the Olympic village, I fully understand the importance of the Athlete’s Village to improve and keep athletes performance level. I will make every effort to keep the facilities safe and have the athletes feel comfortable and stay in good condition while staying in the village.”

Catering to diverse needs, the village provides a dining area serving local and international cuisine all around the clock as well as a multi-faith center.

Athletes will also have access to a recreation center and a state-of-the-art medical center, as well as “high street” facilities such as a café, a convenience store and a bank – amenities you’d expect to find in any village.

As mayor, a former Olympian and the lone South Korean member of the International Olympic Committee, Ryu pledged his utmost efforts to create a supportive, harmonious atmosphere throughout the Games.

[Sound bite: PyeongChang Olympic Village Mayor Ryu Seung-min (English)]
“First of all, as an IOC member, I hope that the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games will be successfully hosted and contribute to the development of the Olympic movement and deliver a message of world peace throughout the world. As mayor of the Olympic Village, I will do my best to communicate well with all the athletes and their entourages to provide best conditions during the period of the games.”

The full interview with Olympic Athletes’ Village Mayor Ryu Seung-min will air on KBS World Radio Korea 24 on Tuesday evening Korea Time.
Oh Soo-young, KBS World Radio News.