Diversity Shines Here: 17th Asian Games INCHEON 2014

When Korea Tourist Organization (KTO) invited the K-Performance Supporters to attend the 17^th Asian Games held in Incheon from 19^th of September to 4^th of October 2014, for people like me who used to work for such events it was like being granted a small dream that went true. To breathe again that familiar air of peaceful competition and effort of the athletes, the tension of the staff, and the joy of the spectators. On day 1 after the welcoming Opening Ceremony, our journey started under the poster with the new logo of KTO campaign ‘Imagine your Korea’ in the headquarters.

Much more near than expected we arrived to Bucheon Gymnasium to attend a very popular sport in Asia and less known in Europe. The Sepaktakraw, to describe it simply, is volleyball by the legs! It comes from two words Sepak(Kick) and Takraw(woven ball) or else ‘Kick Volleyball’. When you think it is not possible for people to perform leg volleyball as fast as the classic volleyball, then in this Asian Games it was a great opportunity to admire the Sepaktakraw champions, playing volleyball and at the same time dancing in the air!

I could not avoid observing-like in every such event-the ‘Smiles’ of the 17^th Asian Games, the wonderful Volunteers. Very neat in their aqua and sandy uniforms, fully equipped with energy, excitement, kindness and that genuine volunteer smile than a non-volunteer can never copy, helping every part of the venue operations, from the ticket check, the spectators, the athletes, the field of play. Could not stop admire the peaceful coexistence of all ages and all walks of life in the volunteer games force, either be the young volunteers who were so cheerful and agitated for volunteering for the first time in such a big event and at the same time the Senior Volunteers with their life long experience who took care the spectators and athletes as if they were their sons and daughters. Amazing how proactively they were acting during the Games to avoid any unpleasant situation. It was an inherent proactivity thanks to their seniority. The Senior volunteers were the secret added value of these Games. 

Another worthy aspect of our visit in Bucheon Gymnasium was the high security & protection measures to ensure safe Games for everyone without causing burden. Thus, the ambulances were stand-by on central spots next to stadium doors, as well as the Ambulance and other Medical staff walking around with the security people, creating a safe net around the event.

For such important international events, the involvement of the local community is paramount. Therefore not only the local volunteers but also a large number of schools, youth and community organizations were invited to attend the Games, filling the spectators’ seat with lots of clapping and joy.

Our KTO Coordinators always on the spot and around the K-Performance Supporters to make sure that we would not miss to enjoy all of the scheduled activities, took us to the heart of the Asian Games, the common domain around the main Stadium. In a vast area, walking around colorful booths and unique constructions displaying Sponsor’s innovations, future events such as the Gwanju 2015 and the Taipei 2007 Universiades and of course the ‘back from the future’ booth of the Pyeongchang 2018 winter games and numerous booths displaying the local products and locations around Korea, we arrived to our own familiar booth of the Korean Tourist Organization. Visitors had the opportunity to experience the culture and tradition of Korea, such as wearing the hanbok, taking advice from the Korean Oriental Medicine experts, learning about the 24hours Korea Travel Hotline 1330, and had their name being calligraphically decorated on traditional fans.

During the entire event two Pavilions operated showcasing the tradition and fusion of Korean cuisine in every aspect of people’s life from Buddhist organic food to the colorful artistic food arrangement in Korean wedding and other national celebrations, a very well thematic made exhibition. In this pavilion K-Performance Supporters could put sleeves up and try themselves the making of rice cakes, mandu or rice wine making. They surely proved to be great cooks as the Korean visitors tasted it and said there were well made! In the second pavilion visitors could enjoy food from many of the countries participating in the Asian Games such Indonesia, Iran, Vietnam, Indian and many more, prepared from the Countries’ Chefs.

When the sun hid its golden sunset rays away from the stadium and replaced by the night, a Korea in Motion Performance in open air was offered free to all visitors. The day we attended it was the loud in sounds and energy performance of NANTA.

Inhaling as much as I could from this special air of the Incheon 17^th Asian Games, we entered the bus to Seoul. What a dream day to celebrate the 10^th year anniversary of the ATHENS 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games since I could not attend the actual celebrations back home. Thank you KTO.

N.B.1 this visit is dedicated to my friend Imam LUTFI from Indonesia who adores Korea and the Asian Games more than anyone and was reporting me every aspect of the Incheon Games that I was missing, all the way from Indonesia!

N.B.2 also to the 2004 Olympic Games Accredited Sport Photographer expert Spyro ANTONOPOULOS who 10 years ago was describing me his favorite –like air dance- sport about kicking the volleyball by legs and I could not understand what he was saying and how would this be possible to play. It was Sepaktakraw! J