South Korean officials train in cross-country, biathlon

Fifty National Technical Officials were trained in IPC Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing rules and regulations as part of preparations for the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games. 26 Nov 2015

Fifty National Technical Officials were trained in IPC Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing rules and regulations.

ⒸIPC

By IPC

Fifty South Korean National Technical Officials have participated in a two-day introductory training session on officiating at IPC Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing competitions as part of preparations for the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.

The seminar in October was organised by the Korean National Ski Federation for the Disabled (KNSFD) with support from PyeongChang 2018 Organising Committee.

The workshop was delivered by Len Apedaile, the Race Director for PyeongChang 2018, and Joe Bajan, IPC Biathlon International Referee, who shared lessons and experience from the Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

Orientation to IPC Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing events, technical information, competition formats and rules was also conducted.

The training was complemented by an informative overview of competitions by Lee Keunno, Chief of Competition at PyeongChang 2018.

The seminar also included a day of practical training at the stadium and biathlon range at the Alpensia Biathlon Centre, where competitions will be held in just over two years’ time.

The ITO training followed the second official visit of IPC Biathlon and Cross-Country Skiing to assess progress with the delivery of competition at PyeongChang 2018.

Apedaile, who is also the Head of Technical Control and Officiating on the Sport’s Technical Committee, was joined on the visit by Head of IPC Snow Sports Dimitrije Lazarovski.

The purpose was to review planning developments since the last visit in September

2015, and to review the course designs for the sit-ski and standing (including visually impaired) competitions. The course designs were assessed and minor changes were requested around the sit-ski sprint trail.

A meeting was also held with KNSFD and the PyeongChang 2018 Organising Committee to discuss plans for the IPC Biathlon and Cross-Country Asia Cup scheduled for 28 January-1 February 2016, which will act as a pre-Test Event and raise awareness of para-sport in South Korea.