PYEONGCHANG, February 26, 2018 - As the curtain draws to a close on the XXIII Winter Olympic Games, World Olympians Association (WOA) has congratulated Olympians at the heart of the incredible two-week spectacle at PyeongChang 2018. Highlighted by the many remarkable athletic performances and a renewal of the spirit that underpins the Games, PyeongChang 2018 has given new energy to the Olympic Movement and the promotion of the Olympic ideals.

From North and South Korea marching under the same flag at the opening ceremony to the great camaraderie shown when Germany and Canada shared gold in the two-man bobsleigh, PyeongChang 2018 has provided plenty of inspirational moments. Central to those moments were the Olympians who brought the Games to life, sharing their passion, commitment and joy in the spirit of friendship and fair competition with millions of people around the world.

As part of its Games-time programme, WOA brought together Olympians from all over the world and at all stages of their careers to share in the celebration. More than 500 Olympic alumni participated in a series of social events and activities, including the WOA’s ticketing programme, which allowed Olympians attending the Games to watch sporting events for free, in recognition of their important position within the Olympic Movement.

“World Olympians Association was proud to be a part of PyeongChang 2018, a Games that brought out the very best in sport and humanity,” said World Olympians Association President Joël Bouzou.

“I would like to warmly congratulate all Olympians who worked to create such an inspiring event. Not only those competing on the slopes and in the rinks but also those Olympians behind the scenes, who have worked as volunteers, as coaches, as administrators and officials, as mentors and as broadcasters to deliver an exceptional experience for athletes and fans alike.

“I am enthusiastic about what the future holds for the Olympic Movement, one where the passion and energy of Olympians continues to be a driving force at all levels of sport.”

As the Olympic Movement now turns its attention to Tokyo 2020, WOA is pleased to announce that planning for the next instalment of its Olympians Reunion Centre is underway. Following the huge success of the award-winning Rio 2016 Olympians Reunion Centre at the previous summer Games, WOA will again be hosting an exclusive space for Olympians that celebrates their role in society and recognises the achievements of those who have represented their nation on sport’s greatest stage. More details on the Tokyo 2020 Olympians Reunion Centre will be shared in the coming year.

Olympians who have competed at PyeongChang 2018 are eligible to apply for WOA’s popular OLY initiative, which offers Olympic athletes the chance to use the post-nominal designation OLY after their name.

Since its launch in November last year, more than 8,000 Olympians have registered for the honour, which is a constant, public reminder of the years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance it takes to become an Olympian and compete on sport’s greatest stage.

Bouzou added: “We invite all Olympians, who have worked so hard to make the Games a success, to apply for OLY recognition and keep the memory of their incredible achievements on display for all to see.”