Incheon observers impressed with Guangzhou briefing for Asiad

Although the focus of the 2nd World Press Briefing for the 16th Asian Games has been the media services and logistics for Guangzhou in November, several observers here are thinking much further ahead - to Incheon 2014. Lee Hyeong Mo, General Manager, Media Department, of the 2014 Incheon Asian Games Organising Committee, has led a five-strong team from IAGOC at the July 20-23 briefing at the Garden Hotel.

Lee Hyeong Mo, General Manager, Media Department leads a five-strong team from IAGOC at the July 20-23 briefing at the Garden Hotel.

"We wanted to come here as observers and study all aspects of the media operations for the 16th Asian Games," said Mr Lee.

"We have been very impressed with the presentations from GAGOC, and in all honesty could not find any problems. The accommodation, catering, venue tour...everything has been impressive and will help us a lot when we go back to Incheon.

"We are planning to hold a World Press Briefing in 2013 and 2014, although it is not decided. After coming to Guangzhou, though, we feel pressure to organise one to match this."

Mr Lee pointed out the high standard of English among the Chinese presenters during the main part of the briefing on Thursday (July 23). "This set a benchmark. Everyone used English for the presentations so when we go back to Incheon we must try and catch up with the level of English in Korea and improve our communication skills."

With multi-media playing an increasingly influential role in the reporting of major sports events, the high-tech Koreans promised to utilise the best of their considerable IT skills when the 17th Asian Games come around in September 2014.

With 20 new stadiums to be built among the 40 competition venues required for the Incheon Games, Mr Lee said construction had begun on some while others were still in the design stage. "We will follow the timetable to make sure everything runs as planned," he concluded.