I believe that when the impact of imparted attitudes, skills, and knowledge in academia begins to take effect in one’s life, there arises a natural desire to write. This is why I felt compelled to share my reflections on the Winter Sports experience.
Coming from tropical climates where snow is only seen in movies, the thought of skiing down icy slopes or experiencing winter sports was both thrilling and daunting. From the moment we arrived in Korea, through the winter break, and in the weeks leading up to our departure, excitement filled the air. Conversations were a mix of curiosity and nervousness. When the day finally arrived, we set off from Gwanak residence on that chilly morning, ready for the adventure. As we left Seoul, the scenery gradually transformed from concrete towers to breathtaking landscapes and snow-covered courses.
By afternoon, we arrived at Alpensia Biathlon Stadium, where world-class athletes had competed during the 2018 Winter Olympics. Realizing we were on Olympic grounds was humbling, especially seeing how the facility was also used as a football stadium, maximizing its use—an important lesson for us. Among the highlights, we were amazed by the Ski History Museum Daegwallyeong, the monorail, the main stadium with its lawn, and the Ski Jump Tower and observatory. We didn’t just observe; we experienced cross-country skiing, leaving us breathless within meters, and biathlon rifle practice, where steadying the rifle while maintaining calm to hit distant targets was an eye-opening challenge.
The next day, the 12th Batch split into skiing and snowboarding groups. The step-by-step lessons from expert coaches were exhilarating. As beginners, we focused on grasping the basics and executing them. The well-designed trails, runs, and cable lifts provided an ideal environment to quickly pick up winter sports. By mid-morning, we were sliding through the snow, laughing at our falls, and struggling to get back up.
In the afternoon, confidence took over. Each successful skiing and snowboarding attempt brought a sense of accomplishment. The rush of gliding through the snow, the cold wind on our faces—it was pure exhilaration. The day ended with a well-deserved banquet of chicken and pizza, the perfect remedy for our sore muscles. Over dinner, we shared stories of triumphs and hilarious wipeouts, strengthening our bonds.
On our final day, we took the Balwangsan Cable Car, which offered a breathtaking aerial view of the snow-covered mountains. The surreal beauty was unforgettable. We then visited the PyeongChang Olympic Museum, where I marveled at how the Olympics had transformed the region. The museum perfectly encapsulated the fusion of sports, culture, and technology, highlighting the profound impact of mega sporting events.
As we boarded the bus back to Seoul, a deep sense of satisfaction settled in. What had initially seemed impossible had turned into an unforgettable and rewarding experience—embracing new challenges and discovering the power of perseverance. Nelson Mandela’s words echoed in my mind: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Ultimately, words cannot fully capture the emotions we experienced during this Winter Sports extracurricular session. The memories created will last a lifetime. All credit goes to the sponsors of the exceptional Dream Together Masters (DTM) program. We remain grateful to Korea, our NOCs, sports institutions, and federations for their dedication to advancing sports management and making a positive impact on global sports administration.
By Mohamed Said(12th Batch)
