S. Korea's Olympic squad vows all out effort in Vancouver

SEOUL, Jan. 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's Olympic squad on Tuesday pledged to do
its utmost to deliver positive results at the Vancouver Winter Olympics scheduled
to kick off on Feb. 12 as the country eyes a back-to-back top-10 finish.

"South Korea is aiming to finish within the top 10 in the medal standings at the
upcoming Olympics," said Park Yong-sung, the president of the Korea Olympic
Council (KOC), during a launching ceremony held at the national training center
located in northeastern Seoul.
"I know that your efforts will contribute to the development of South Korea's
winter sports. Do your best ... to achieve your goals."
A total of 46 South Koreans have qualified to compete in the skating, skiing,
biathlon and sledding events at the Vancouver Olympics, which will continue until
Feb. 28. South Korea finished seventh in terms of medal standing four years ago
in Turin and hopes to win at least five gold medals this time to secure a second
consecutive top-10 finish.
"All our athletes will do their best to live up to the South Korean people's
expectations," said Park Sung-in, who heads the 46-player squad. "As
representatives of the nation, we will put up a good fight with a sense of fair
play in Vancouver."
President Lee Myung-bak also sent a letter to the Olympic delegation, which
includes 37 officials, to offer words of encouragement. Lee called on the players
to draw on their strengths and play fair in the world-class event.
Short track speed skater Lee Ho-seok, who earned three medals in Turin, is
leading the country's gold medal charge at next week's Winter Olympics.
"This is my second Olympics. I was happy to have produced good results during the
last Olympics," said Lee at the ceremony. "I want to skate better than the last
time."
The team departs for Canada on Feb. 5 and will attend the opening ceremony at BC
Place Stadium on Feb. 12.
brk@yna.co.kr
(END)

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