PyeongChang 2018: Santa Claus comes to town!

Father Christmas flies to South Korea in support of Finnish team 07 Mar 2018
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Santa Claus shaking hands with a wheelchair athlete

Athletes and officials at the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Village were thrilled to see Santa Claus

ⒸAnnemarie Blanco
By IPC

“I like being at the Paralympics, interacting with people from all over the world, have nice conversations with them. I do not work during my vacations so I came to enjoy this event."

A very special visitor has come to the Paralympic Village in PyeongChang. Santa Claus has travelled to South Korea, together with the Finnish delegation which will compete at the Paralympic Winter Games, between 9 and 18 March.

After a busy end of 2017 which saw him delivering gifts to billions across the planet, Father Christmas is enjoying a well-deserved rest and decided to go and watch the competition.

His biggest hope is that PyeongChang 2018 can be a big celebration of sports which brings nations together and allows Para athletes showcase what their capable of to the entire world.

“I came because I really wanted to meet people from all over the world and wish them all the best while they give it all while showcasing their skills and being successful,” he said. “Only one can win but all will surely be happy at this place.”

“I like being at the Paralympics, interacting with people from all over the world, have nice conversations with them. I do not work during my vacations so I came to enjoy this event,” said Santa Claus, who despite using a sledge as main mean of transport has never tried Para ice hockey.

“I love all Paralympic sports. All of them have their own characteristics which make them special. Maybe I would try Para ice hockey or wheelchair curling.”

During his free time, Santa Claus said he enjoys walking to the forest, making a campfire “and watching the stars. The Northern Lights are beautiful.”

His biggest dream is to see everyone in the world “playing with each other and not being afraid of anything, just like the Paralympians.

“So watch the Paralympic Winter Games on Paralympic.org! I hope you all have fun and Para athletes enjoy very successful days here in PyeongChang!”

Tickets for PyeongChang 2018 can be purchased here.

Every competition as well as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies can be watched live right here on the International Paralympic Committee’s website. Highlights of each day’s action will also be made available.