Lufthansa Ushers Team Germany to the Winter Youth Olympic Games in South Korea

In a significant event marking their first international competition, around 30 young athletes, coaches, and support staff embarked on Lufthansa flight LH718 from Munich to Seoul for the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Gangwon, South Korea. This prestigious event, scheduled from January 19 to February 1, will host a total of 81 competitions across 15 sports in Gangwon Province. It stands as a beacon of the Olympic ideals - promoting peaceful competition, friendship, and international understanding.

As the Airbus A350-900 “Erfurt" with registration D-AIXJ took off at 3:45 p.m. from Munich airport, it marked a momentous occasion for the 90 young athletes heading to Seoul. This journey is not just about sporting glory; it's an invaluable opportunity for these young competitors to immerse themselves in the Olympic atmosphere and ethos.

Dr. Olaf Tabor, Chef de Mission for Gangwon 2024 and DOSB Director of Competitive Sports, highlighted the significance of this event, noting that for the first time, the Winter Youth Olympic Games are being held outside Europe. With some events scheduled at the venues of the 2018 Winter Olympics, the athletes are poised for an exceptionally vivid Olympic experience. The games promise a unique blend of sporting excellence and cultural exchange, fostering the development of young talent.

Lufthansa Airlines CEO Heiko Reitz conveyed his best wishes to Team Germany, underscoring the airline's longstanding tradition and honor in flying the German team to the Olympic Games. His message to the young athletes was one of encouragement, wishing them not only success but also an enriching and enjoyable experience at the Youth Olympic Games in South Korea.