As the first Winter Youth Olympic Games in Asia, more than 1,800 youth athletes from 79 countries will compete in 15 sports across seven events in two weeks, fostering the Olympic spirit. With the world’s attention focused on the largest Youth Olympic Games in history, Samsung Electronics is providing an unforgettable experience for the participants by hosting an experience center for new products unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked 2024 and organizing sessions with national representative Olympic athletes.

Samsung Newsroom went to the site of the Youth Olympic Games, which was made even more special by Samsung’s latest IT and Galaxy.

▲ View of the Samsung Electronics Experience Center located in Gangneung Olympic Park in Gangwon Province

“Meet Galaxy AI in a Winter Snow Field.” – Samsung Galaxy Olympic Games Experience Center

The Samsung Galaxy Olympic Games Experience Center is located in Gangneung Olympic Park. Shaped like a giant snow ball, it reminded visitors of a winter snow field and drew their attention. The long line in front of the entrance despite the cold weather showed the intense interest in the new products unveiled at the recent Galaxy Unpacked.

▲ Visitors are waiting to enter the Samsung Galaxy Olympic Games Experience Center.

Outside the experience center, an 8-meter-high structure with the official mascot of the Games, Moongcho, and the Samsung Galaxy logo welcomed the visitors. A photo zone that shows Moongcho and Samsung Electronics’ partnership with the Olympic Games and looks like a snow globe was set up at the information zone. Visitors all took photos there, showing their excitement for the competition.

▲ (From the left) Information zone, Snowboarder Katie Ormerod taking a photo at the photo zone

The main experience center was packed with visitors eager to see the latest Galaxy products. The experience center consisted of an experience zone where visitors could try out the main features of Galaxy AI in the Galaxy S24 series, as well as other spaces that showcase Galaxy’s innovative mobile experiences, such as the Galaxy foldable and the Galaxy Book4 series exhibition zone, etc.

▲ Visitors have gathered to use the new Galaxy products.

In particular, Galaxy AI, which presents the infinite possibilities of mobile devices, received a great response from visitors. Visitors were thrilled with the new AI-powered experiences, including Live Translate, which translates a phone call in real time; Circle to Search, which allows users to circle an image or video to quickly find information without moving the screen; and Note Assist, which summarizes long texts written in the Samsung Notes app. “I think the live interpretation and translation feature will be very helpful for smooth communication with foreigners at international events such as the Youth Olympic Games,” said a visitor who tried out Galaxy AI.

▲ British Snowboarder Katie Ormerod is listening to the explanation about various AI features in the Galaxy S24 series.

▲ (From the left) Visitors are experiencing Galaxy AI’s Live Translate and Note Assist.

▲ Visitors are trying out the Circle to Search feature. You can easily search with just a simple gesture alone.

Visitors enjoyed a unique entertainment experience by playing winter sports-themed games and taking selfies with the Galaxy S24 series. Participants who took photos with the Galaxy S24 series were impressed with the powerful camera experience, which enables high-definition zoom, as well as optimal photos even when taken in low light. Galaxy AI’s various Gallery app editing features, which can greatly improve the quality of photos and videos taken, received a lot of attention as well.

▲ Winter Sports Game Zone and a visitor enjoying playing a ski jumping game with the Galaxy S24 series

▲ Visitors experiencing the Nightography feature, which lets you take clear photos even when you zoom in at night

▲ A visitor taking a photo of Moongcho, the mascot of Gangwon 2024, and editing the photo using Galaxy AI

In addition, visitors could also enjoy the various events that were held in the experience center to provide merchandise items symbolizing Gangwon 2024 and Gangwon Province, and the Gangwon 2024 mascot Moongcho visiting the experience center as well.

▲ A visitor at Samsung Galaxy Olympic Games Experience Center taking a photo with Moongcho

▲ (From the left) A visitor participating in the stamp tour event, the merchandise provided to event participants

Message of Support From Team Samsung Galaxy

On the 20th, the day after the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Youth Olympic Games, the first session of Chat with Samsung Galaxy, where inspirational stories are shared for youth athletes and visitors, was held at the Samsung Galaxy Olympic Games Experience Center.

Team Samsung Galaxy, a group of ambassadors comprised of Olympic athletes from around the world representing a variety of sports, participated in this event and had a discussion under the theme of “Breaking Barriers and Opening New Opportunities.” The event was packed with youth athletes, visitors, Olympic officials, influencers, as well as local and international media who gathered to listen to the session.

▲ The session was packed with the audience.

The event kicked off with actor Jae Min Park, who is an Olympic Games commentator and Gangwon 2024 ambassador, moderating the session. “Samsung Electronics has been an official partner of the Olympic Games for about 35 years,” said actor Park. “We organized the ‘Chat with Team Samsung Galaxy’ session to provide great inspiration at the Olympic Games for the youth,” he explained.

The audience erupted in cheers and applause when Team Samsung Galaxy member and national breaking athlete Yeri Kim of the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024, Team Samsung Galaxy member and short track & speed skating athlete Dae-heon Hwang of the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 and Team Samsung Galaxy member and British snowboarder Katie Ormerod of Beijing 2022 appeared.

▲ (From the left) Actor Jae Min Park, short track speed skating athlete Dae-heon Hwang, breaking athlete Yeri Kim and snowboarder Katie Ormerod

Yeri Kim, who competed at the Summer Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018, and Dae-heon Hwang, who competed at the Winter Youth Olympic Games Lillehammer 2016 Youth Olympic Games, said it was a special feeling to come to Gangwon 2024. “I was even more eager to come because it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in Youth Olympic Games,” Kim recalled. “But I think we made history by winning a medal in the breaking event, which was for the first time in Korea as well as the sport itself. So it is a very meaningful and proud memory,” she said. “The Youth Olympic Games was a step toward and experience for preparing for the future Olympic Games for me. It’s what got me here today,” said Hwang.

▲ (From the left) Breaking athlete Yeri Kim, short track speed skating athlete Dae-heon Hwang

Katie Ormerod shared her experience as a mentor to younger athletes. “I try to show them the importance of enjoying sports,” said Ormerod. “I think truly enjoying what you do is one of the most powerful drivers in life and a foundation for growth,” she added.

▲ Snowboarder Katie Ormerod

The members of Team Samsung Galaxy shared the challenges they faced during their athletic careers and how they overcame them and opened up new opportunities. Ormerod, who underwent seven surgeries due to an injury just before the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, said, “Even when I had to relearn how to walk, I didn’t let that stop me.” She added, “The support I had received while sharing my rehabilitation process on social media greatly helped me get through it, and I found myself as a snowboarder again,” she said.

“I always had anxiety about whether my hearing aids would deliver the music properly, but I didn’t see my disability as a barrier to my life,” said Kim, who overcame her limitation as a deaf breakdancer. “Opening up about my disability actually helped me connect with people more and grow,” she said.

Dae-heon Hwang, who won the gold medal at Beijing 2022, shared his advice on feeling the pressure regarding injuries. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t struggle every time I got injured,” he said. “With more injury, I worked out more, and I used it as an opportunity to get stronger,” he said, emphasizing that there’s nothing you can’t do if you keep trying.

The sincere stories of Team Samsung Galaxy athletes who overcame their limits with an open mind resonated with many people, as they are in line with Samsung Galaxy’s brand spirit of pursuing unlimited possibilities based on openness.

When asked by the audience what they like about using Galaxy as a member of Team Samsung Galaxy, Hwang said, “I utilize Galaxy’s amazing camera to capture videos for training analysis.” “I’m using Galaxy Z Flip, and it fits in my pocket so I can use it when I’m snowboarding as well,” said Ormerod. “For me, this smartphone is like a game changer for snowboarding,” she added.

▲ Short track speed skating athlete Dae-heon Hwang answers questions from the audience.

During the on-site interview with Samsung Newsroom, which was the last part, each member of Team Samsung Galaxy left a warm message of support for the sports dreamers.

From the Summer Youth Olympic Games Singapore 2010, which was the very first Youth Olympic Games, to the Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024, Samsung Electronics has been accompanying the youth on their journey of taking on challenges and achieving their dreams. As Samsung roots for the youth athletes who challenge their limits and the youth of the world, Samsung Electronics looks forward to playing a big role in many ways by connecting global athletes and fans as an official partner of the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024 as well.

Samsung Electronics, Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Wireless Communications Equipment and Computing Equipment category, is bringing cutting-edge mobile technology and Olympic inspiration to the Winter Youth Olympic Games Lausanne 2020. In addition to its Olympic Showcase, Samsung is connecting the future generation of Olympic athletes with current Olympian Dina Asher-Smith to defy barriers to achieve meaningful progress and push beyond all limits with an inspirational panel session.

“Samsung has supported the Olympic Movement for over 30 years, and we are proud to continue our legacy by empowering this generation of athletes to ‘Do What You Can’t’ spirit at the Youth Olympic Games Lausanne 2020,” said Stephanie Choi, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Marketing Team of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “From Lausanne to Tokyo, this Olympic year holds many exciting opportunities for Samsung to showcase innovation and change the way participants experience the Games through mobile products and services with 5G connectivity.”

Throughout the Youth Olympic Games, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in Samsung’s groundbreaking technology at the Samsung Olympic Games Showcase located in the Yodli Park. Visitors will be able to experience:

• 5G Galaxy Smartphones: Samsung’s Olympic Games Showcase invites visitors to experience the most recent editions of Samsung’s 5G smartphones, including the Galaxy S10, Galaxy Note10, Galaxy Fold and Galaxy A90.
• Creative Experiences: Visitors will be also able to interact with the creative capabilities of Samsung mobile technology, such as Galaxy smartphone cameras, S Pen and VR.
• Olympic Games Pins: Visitors will have the opportunity to receive special Samsung Olympic Games pins that embody the value of the Youth Olympic Games.

To further empower connection and inspire the next generation of Olympic athletes, Samsung will also host a special panel discussion as a part of the ’Chat with Champions’ series, co-hosted with the International Olympic Committee. Athletes competing in the Youth Olympic Games are invited to learn more on building their personal brand, and to hear inspirational stories that will keep them motivated as their careers develop – on and off the field of play. Panelists will include:

• Stephanie Choi, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Marketing Team, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung, who will provide insights about Samsung brand and her career journey as an industry leader and innovator;
• Dina Asher-Smith, World Champion sprinter, Team GB Olympic Medalist, and one of Team Galaxy athletes, who will share her story of defying barriers to become the fastest British woman in recorded history;
• Janosch Nietlispach, Six-time Kickboxing World Champion turned social media influencer, who will talk about how he became an athlete influencer, interacting with fans on social platforms;
• Zac Farrer, Global Partnership EMEA, Facebook, who will share tips on how athletes can grow their personal brand and expand their communities on social media.

Participating athletes are invited to visit the special ‘Chat with Champions’ session at the Yodli Café at 8pm on Jan 12th to meet other athletes and share encouraging messages to support one another.

“Samsung has been an integral part of elevating the Olympic Games’ fan experience through their innovative technology and powering lifelong memories for athletes and fans alike,” said Timo Lumme, Managing Director of the IOC Television and Marketing Services. “As we celebrate what the future of the Olympic Games will look like for future generations in Lausanne 2020, it’s only natural that Samsung is helping make that connection.”

As a longstanding Olympic partner, Samsung will continue its support for athletes defying barriers beyond the Youth Olympic Games Lausanne 2020 to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Fans and volunteers experience the Galaxy Fold, Note10+ 5G, and A90 5G smartphone devices at the Samsung Olympic Showcase in Yodli Park during the Youth Olympic Winter Games Lausanne 2020.

Fans and volunteers experience the Galaxy Fold, Note10+ 5G, and A90 5G smartphone devices at the Samsung Olympic Showcase in Yodli Park during the Youth Olympic Winter Games Lausanne 2020.

Fans and volunteers experience the Galaxy Fold, Note10+ 5G, and A90 5G smartphone devices at the Samsung Olympic Showcase in Yodli Park during the Youth Olympic Winter Games Lausanne 2020.

Samsung Olympic Showcase, the unique dome-shaped venue put Samsung’s latest technology on display, in addition to providing various experiences during the Youth Olympic Winter Games Lausanne 2020.

About Samsung’s Involvement in the Olympic Games

Samsung has been a Worldwide Olympic Partner since the Olympic Winter Games Nagano 1998. For over 20 years, the company’s industry-leading wireless communications equipment has enabled fans and athletes around the world to stay connected and share in the journey to achieve greatness of sportsmanship. For Tokyo 2020, Samsung will help spread the spirit of the Olympic Games through proprietary innovations that are shaping the digital future of the Olympic Games. Samsung’s commitment to the Olympic Movement will continue through to Los Angeles 2028 in the wireless communications equipment and computing equipment category, including the activation of the Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and 5G features of that equipment.

The Samsung Olympic Showcases are specifically designed to celebrate the excitement of the Youth Olympic Games, enabling visitors to create, capture and share their own experiences through activities that help spread #DoWhatYouCant to a young audience.

Over 5,000 daily visitors visited the two Samsung Olympic Showcases, which opened to the public in Buenos Aires – one at the Youth Olympic Park and the other at Abasto Mall – enabling everyone to establish meaningful connections through different experiences, and interact with Samsung’s latest technology, including Galaxy S9 and S9+, Galaxy Tab S4 and Gear IconX – paired with Galaxy S9 and S9+.

Candelaria Costa, a local student from Buenos Aires, said, “The Samsung Olympic Showcase has a lot of fun activities that keep everyone entertained. I just finished the Galaxy Fitness Cycling Challenge against my friend, and I liked it a lot. I also experienced virtual reality for the first time and now I’m a big fan!”

Young Olympic fans race each other at the Galaxy Fitness Cycling Challenge while visiting the Samsung Olympic Showcase at the Olympic Park in Buenos Aires during the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018.

Young Olympic fans receive Samsung-themed eco bags and participate in the Samsung Pin promotion by completing a variety of interactive experiences while visiting the Samsung Olympic Showcase at the Olympic Park in Buenos Aires during the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018.

Young Olympic fans participate in the Super Slow-mo Football Challenge and embrace the Olympic Spirit while visiting the Samsung Olympic Showcase at the Olympic Park in Buenos Aires during the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018.

Young Olympic fans are all smiles as they experience the high-speed thrill of Winter Ride 4D motion virtual reality at the Samsung Olympic Showcase at the Olympic Park in Buenos Aires during the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018. The film is displayed through the Samsung Galaxy smartphone and compatible Gear VR.

Young Olympic fans stop by the Samsung Olympic Showcase during their visit to the Olympic Park in Buenos Aires during the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018. In collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Samsung sponsored the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Pass giving the public free access to all competitions as well as more than 1,200 cultural activities.

Young Olympic fans learn more about Samsung’s mobile technology at the Interactive Table at the Samsung Olympic Showcase at the Olympic Park in Buenos Aires during the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018.

Young Olympic fans show off their soccer skills as they experience Shoot-out motion virtual reality at the Samsung Olympic Showcase at the Olympic Park in Buenos Aires during the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018. The experience is displayed through the Samsung Galaxy smartphone and compatible Gear VR.

About the Youth Olympic Games

The Youth Olympic Games (YOG) are an international multi-sport event for young athletes between 15 and 18 years old of an educational and cultural nature, with the objective of promoting Olympic values ​​in Youth. The celebration of the event, which takes place every four years (in its two editions, winter and summer, which take place alternately every two years), is promoted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018 will take place between October 6 and 18 and will involve 4,000 athletes from 206 countries.

About Samsung’s Involvement in the Olympic Games

Samsung began its Olympic Games involvement as a local sponsor of Olympic Games Seoul 1988. Beginning with Olympic Winter Games Nagano 1998, the company extended its commitment to the Olympic Movement as the Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Wireless Communications Equipment category, providing its proprietary wireless communications platform and mobile devices. These innovative mobile technologies provide the Olympic Community, athletes and fans around the world with interactive communications and information services. Samsung hosts various Olympic campaigns to share the excitement of the Olympic Games with people around the world and enable everyone to participate in the Games through its innovative mobile technology. Samsung’s commitment as a Worldwide Olympic Partner continues through to Tokyo 2020 in the Wireless Communications Equipment and Computing Equipment category.

“The belief that the world holds endless possibilities begins at a young age, which makes it even more important that we support the youth of today who are pushing the limits to #DoWhatYouCant,” said Younghee Lee, CMO and Executive Vice President, Samsung Electronics. “Samsung is committed to the Olympic Movement and we’re looking forward to providing exciting experiences powered by our latest technology to young fans at Buenos Aires 2018.”

To celebrate the Youth Olympic Games, Samsung is offering immersive and interactive visitor experiences at the Samsung Olympic Showcases, which highlight the latest wireless communications products and technologies, including Galaxy S9 and S9+, Gear IconX – paired with Galaxy S9 and S9+ and Galaxy Tab S4. For twelve days, two showcases will be open to the public in Buenos Aires – one at the Youth Olympic Park and the other at Abasto Mall–enabling everyone to participate in the Youth Olympic Games through Samsung’s innovative mobile technology.

Samsung Olympic Showcase located in Youth Olympic Park (left) and Samsung Olympic Showcase located in Abasto Mall

During the Youth Olympic Games, fans, athletes and visitors of the Samsung Olympic Showcases will be able to interact with Samsung’s latest technology and establish meaningful connections through a variety of activities, including:

• Experiential Activations: Fans and consumers will be exposed to comprehensive and accessible experiences powered by Samsung technology such as the Interactive Table, My Emoji Gallery, Super Slow-mo Football Challenge, and Galaxy Fitness.
• Immersive VR Experience: Unique 4D VR offerings powered by Galaxy S9 and S9+ will be available where fans can step outside their comfort zones with exhilarating Kayaking, Rowing, and Winter Ride experiences.
• Mobile Products and Accessories Experiences: The Samsung Olympic Showcases will provide opportunities to test out Samsung products including the Galaxy S9 and S9+, Gear IconX – paired with Galaxy S9 and S9+, and Galaxy Tab S4.

At the Samsung Olympic Showcases, fans will also have a chance to celebrate the Olympic Spirit, and participate in the Samsung Pin promotion by completing a variety of interactive experiences, and collect up to 7 specially designed sport and culture themed pins.

As part of its goal to spread the Olympic Spirit and to help fans participate in the biggest multisport and cultural celebration in the world, Samsung is distributing the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Pass at designated Samsung Stores. With the Pass, the public has access to the four Youth Olympic Parks and the competition stadiums, as well as more than 1,200 cultural activities free of charge. Nearly 600,000 requests for the Pass, which comes in the form of an electronic bracelet, have already been processed.

“Samsung’s many activations at the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018 will allow all visitors to capture their unique experiences and share the Olympic Spirit around the world,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “By bringing its innovative technology to young athletes and fans from across the globe, Samsung is celebrating the power of sport.”

Samsung began its Olympic Games involvement as a local sponsor of the Olympic Games Seoul 1988, and extended its commitment to the Olympic Movement as a Worldwide Olympic Partner at the Olympic Winter Games Nagano 1998. Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires2018 will be held October 6-18, 2018 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

For more information on Samsung’s latest products, please visit news.samsung.com/global and www.samsungmobilepress.com.

About the Youth Olympic Games

The Youth Olympic Games (YOG) are an international multi-sport event for young athletes between 15 and 18 years old of an educational and cultural nature, with the objective of promoting Olympic values ​​in Youth. The celebration of the event, which takes place every four years (in its two editions, winter and summer, which take place alternately every two years), is promoted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018 will take place between October 6 and 18 and will involve 4,000 athletes from 206 countries.

About Samsung’s Involvement in the Olympic Games

Samsung began its Olympic Games involvement as a local sponsor of Olympic Games Seoul 1988. Beginning with Olympic Winter Games Nagano 1998, the company extended its commitment to the Olympic Movement as the Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Wireless Communications Equipment category, providing its proprietary wireless communications platform and mobile devices. These innovative mobile technologies provide the Olympic Community, athletes and fans around the world with interactive communications and information services. Samsung hosts various Olympic campaigns to share the excitement of the Olympic Games with people around the world and enable everyone to participate in the Games through its innovative mobile technology. Samsung’s commitment as a Worldwide Olympic Partner continues through to Tokyo 2020 in the Wireless Communications Equipment and Computing Equipment category.

In addition to getting immersive views of the Olympic torch lighting and the Parade of Nations, fans can also experience the thrill of VR at three different Samsung Galaxy Studios at the event. Included are the VR Station, a theater-like venue where participants can virtually take part in winter sports in 4D, as well as the VR Bus. Here, attendees partake in an exhilarating, 360-degree ski jump simulation that takes them through the stunning scenery of Lillehammer, Norway.

On February 11, 2016, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, along with members of the IOC Young Ambassadors program visited the Samsung Galaxy Studio just ahead of the start of the Lillehammer 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

“Samsung is a dedicated Partner to the Olympic Movement and supports the IOC in engaging young people worldwide through its cutting edge mobile technology and passion for sports,” Bach said. “It is a pleasure to visit the Samsung Galaxy Studio here in Lillehammer and experience first-hand the virtual reality technology, which could be used at future Olympic Games as well.”

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach sits in a 4D motion chair to experience the innovative ski jumping VR film at the Samsung Galaxy Studio in Lillehammer.

The immersive ski jumping film is displayed through the Samsung Galaxy smartphone and compatible Gear VR headset.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) Administration is all smiles as they gear up for the start of the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games at the Samsung Galaxy Studio in Lillehammer.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach visits the Samsung Galaxy Studio in Lillehammer ahead of the start of the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

Members of the IOC Young Ambassadors program mingle and take selfies before the start of the Games. Samsung provided a Galaxy S6 edge+ to each member of the program to enable them to share stories, interact and promote the Games in their own countries.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach meets with the 39 members of the IOC Young Ambassadors program before the start of the Lillehammer 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

Members of the IOC Young Ambassadors program join together at the Samsung Galaxy Studio in Lillehammer before the start of the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

Two IOC Young Ambassadors pose for a photo together at the Samsung Galaxy Studio in Lillehammer before the start of the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games.

Members of the IOC Young Ambassadors program experience ski jumping in 4D.

Two IOC Young Ambassadors visit the Samsung Galaxy Studio in Lillehammer to test out the Galaxy S6 edge+, which they’ll use throughout the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games to document and share their experiences with the world.