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 sport management and making a positive impact on global sports administration.

By Mohamed Said(12th Batch)

During my tenure at the Sport Association for the Disabled of Thailand, I often heard about Korea’s remarkable achievements in parasport development. My supervisors and colleagues who had visited Korea or attended training camps there would return with stories of how advanced and well-structured their systems and facilities were. These accounts left a lasting impression on me, fueling my desire to witness it firsthand.

As part of the 11th Batch of the DTM program, I had the extraordinary opportunity to visit the Korea Paralympic Committee (KPC) Icheon Training Center, now recognized as the Asian Paralympic Committee’s Centre of Excellence. This visit was not only a personal milestone but also a source of inspiration for my association. Currently we are in the process of constructing a one-stop training center for parasports in Thailand. We aspire to create a facility that mirrors the professionalism and efficiency of Icheon.

Walking through the Icheon Training Center, I was in awe of the world-class facilities and state-of-the-art equipment. The center is designed with inclusivity and convenience in mind, enabling athletes with disabilities to navigate seamlessly. I could vividly imagine how training in such an environment would boost performance and morale. The centralized setup eliminates transportation challenges, which are a significant barrier for many athletes with disabilities. One of the most striking aspects of the Icheon Training Center is its integrated approach to fostering teamwork and discipline. Particularly during the critical periods like pre-mega events such as the Asian Para Games or the Paralympics. Training halls for various sports are situated adjacent to one another. The athletes from different disciplines come together for meals in a shared cafeteria. The main hall, adorned with displays showcasing Team Korea’s legacy and achievements, serves as a powerful source of inspiration for all who enter.

When we visited, the center was after the Paris 2024 Paralympics. The facilities were still decorated to simulate the atmosphere of Paris. This is to ensure that the athletes would be familiar with the environment and face minimal distractions during the competition. This attention to detail demonstrates the center’s commitment to athlete readiness.

Another noteworthy feature is the accommodation, which is directly connected to the training center. This ensures that athletes have easy access to their training facilities. What truly sets Icheon apart is its in-house sport science and medical departments. For athletes with disabilities, who often face challenges with transportation and emergencies, having these essential services on-site is invaluable.

In contrast, Thailand still has a long way to go. Our training centers are scattered and often adapted from facilities designed for able-bodied athletes. However, my visit to the Icheon Training Center has reinforced my belief that we can achieve similar excellence with determination and collaboration.

The experience was not only enlightening but also motivating. It has strengthened my resolve to contribute to the development of parasport in Thailand and to advocate for inclusive, centralized training facilities that empower our athletes to reach their full potential.

By Pann Na Nakorn(11th Batch)

I come from beautiful Malaysia, a country rich in vibrant cultures, traditions, and incredible food. Growing up in a lower middle-class family, I learned early on the importance of financial stability, best achieved through a solid education leading to a well-paying career.

With financial support from my aunt and encouragement from my parents, I attended top schools and engaged in various extracurricular activities. Along the way, I discovered Taekwondo. What started as an after-school activity became a defining part of my life, instilling discipline, respect, and perseverance. More than just a martial art, Taekwondo became a guiding philosophy—one I wanted to share with the younger generation.

By sixteen, I was teaching Taekwondo to children and teenagers on weekends while pursuing my studies. After graduation, I became a tax consultant—a demanding job requiring long hours and mental resilience. Though I enjoyed the intellectual challenge, the stress took a toll. Taekwondo became my refuge, helping me maintain balance.

After nearly six years, I reached a crossroads. Despite financial stability, I felt unfulfilled. My passion lay in Taekwondo, not tax calculations. The leap from a corporate career to sport management was daunting, but I knew I had to try. I wanted to contribute more meaningfully to the sport I loved.

Unsure where to begin, I discovered the Dream Together Master’s (DTM) program—an ideal stepping stone into sports leadership. After working hard to secure a scholarship, I was thrilled to join the 11th batch.

One of my most memorable experiences was our Team Project at the 2024 Chuncheon Korea Open International Taekwondo Championships. As volunteers, we weren’t just observers but actively involved in event operations while conducting research. I helped prepare athletes before matches, ensuring they were geared up and directed to their rings. My teammates liaised with officials, managed crowd flow, and handled logistics.

Being part of an international championship showed me the immense planning required for large-scale events. Concepts from class—event hosting, resource management, and strategic planning—came to life. Each day, our team leaders held meetings to review performance, troubleshoot issues, and refine workflows. The experience was demanding but invaluable.

One major challenge was convincing people to complete our surveys. Many were unwilling, and language barriers made it harder. Fortunately, our diverse team helped bridge communication gaps. We even used creative persuasion—offering candies as incentives (or, as we joked, friendly bribes).

Handling impatient or stubborn participants also required patience and tact. Some were uncooperative, but we learned that staying polite and professional always led to better outcomes.

This project reshaped my perspective on event organization. Though I had experience organizing interclub and school-level Taekwondo competitions, an international championship was on another level. The scale of planning, logistics, and coordination—from registrations to match scheduling and international team communication—was a lesson in teamwork, adaptability, and attention to detail.

One of the most rewarding parts was sharing my love for Taekwondo with my 11th batch friends. Seeing their appreciation for the sport made all the hard work worthwhile. This journey not only strengthened my event management skills but also deepened my passion for Taekwondo. The insights I gained will be invaluable for future events, and I look forward to taking on even bigger challenges with confidence.

By Maria Adibah Zaini(11th Batch)