For the first-time since Samsung Electronics became a Worldwide Partner in the Wireless Communications Equipment and Computing Equipment category, all Paralympians received a Galaxy Note8 as part of an exclusive pack that features a fast-charging battery pack as well as a special case that incorporates a Paralympic Winter Games interface once attached to the phone. 

About Samsung’s Involvement in the Paralympic Games

Samsung is a Worldwide Partner of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in the Wireless Communications Equipment and Computing Equipment category. Starting from Paralympic Winter Games Torino 2006, Samsung has supported 6 consecutive Paralympic Games, and is proud to be an official worldwide partner of PyeongChang 2018. Samsung hosts various Paralympic Games campaigns that aim to enable athletes and fans around the world to participate in Paralympic Movement and to spread the excitement and inspiration of the Games through its wireless communication technologies. Samsung’s excitement and inspiration of the Games through its wireless communication technologies. Samsung’s commitment as a Worldwide Partner continues through PyeongChang 2018 and Tokyo 2020.

To celebrate its eleventh Olympic Games and to honor its twenty-year long commitment to The Olympic Partner (TOP) program, Samsung Electronics – Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Wireless Communications Equipment and Computing Equipment category – proudly delivered unique mobile experiences through innovative technologies during the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018.  Together with the Olympic Movement, Samsung focused on spreading its shared values of achieving the extraordinary and inspiring others to ‘Do What You Can’t.’

Various VR experience zones powered by the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games Limited Edition featured the exhilaration of winter sports including Winter Ride, Skeleton and Snowboarding, making the Samsung Olympic Showcases a must for all Olympic Games fans. The ‘Mission to Space VR: A Moon for All Mankind’ allowed visitors to experience lunar gravity for the first time through a space mission made possible with innovative 4D VR technology.

“As the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 come to an end, we’re proud to know that Samsung technology powered lifelong memories for Olympic athletes and fans worldwide,” said Younghee Lee, CMO and Executive Vice President, Samsung Electronics. “I’m thrilled that Samsung’s meaningful technological advancements enabled a more enjoyable, exciting and connected experience for all.”

The Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 allowed Samsung’s newest advancements to empower people through state-of-art technology. By the numbers, Samsung’s milestones included the following highlight

SPREADING THE OLYMPIC SPIRIT

• 4,000+ PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games Limited Edition smartphones were presented to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to support athletes
• 1,500 torchbearers spread the passion and hope during the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Torch Relay
• 149,353 specially-designed Samsung PyeongChang 2018 pins were distributed to Samsung Olympic Showcase visitors
• 10 lucky pin-collectors won the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games Limited Edition and two grand prize winners won two tickets to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

CREATING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS THROUGH INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY

• 435,878 athletes and fans visited nine Samsung Olympic Showcases for interactive activities powered by 2,157 Samsung products
• 163,121 fans escaped the real-world to experience the exhilaration of eleven VR attractions such as going down the fresh mountain slopes while snowboarding, and careening down the skeleton – all VR was powered by the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games Limited Edition
• 150 calls were made by Olympians at the two Samsung Olympic Showcases @ the Olympic Villages – adding up to 700 minutes
• 1,282,904 downloads of PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games Official Mobile Application which was developed together with POCOG (The PyeongChang Organizing Committee for the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games) featuring real-time updates, athlete information, medal standings and Olympic Winter Games records

Through its ongoing partnership with the IOC, Samsung strives to foster the best possible environment for athletes and fans to create, capture and share lifelong memories of their Olympic Games experiences. As part of this collaboration, the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 provided Samsung with a platform to demonstrate a future full of possibilities by displaying its ever-evolving leadership in the mobile technology space.  Samsung is also an official sponsor of the Paralympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 taking place from March 9^th to 18^th, during which the brand will continue diverse activities including the S

Pushing Limits

For those who have wondered what it feels like to compete in the Olympic Winter Games, the combination of the acrobatic simulator and Galaxy Note8 paired with Gear VR will immerse them in the most thrilling winter sports experience – without ever having to go outside.

The giant Winter Ride, which is only one of the six VR experiences visitors can try, features dozens of rotating chairs that simulate the motions of charging down an alpine slope.

Visitors can also climb onto a specially-designed VR bobsled to navigate the twists and turns of a skeleton course at breakneck speed through the Galaxy Note8 paired with Gear VR headset and 4D motion chairs.

For those who would like to try defying the laws of physics, the snowboard VR ride might just do the trick.

Just like competing in the Olympic Winter Games, the winter sports simulators give sports fans a rush of adrenaline. But that’s only the beginning – the VR rides at the showcase can take visitors out of this world when experienced through the Galaxy Note8 paired with Gear VR.

After exploring the final frontier, why not try going back in time to see the prehistoric world from the point of view of a dinosaur at Flying Dino?

Put on a spacesuit and get ready to head out into the universe. Mission to Space gives visitors the opportunity to feel what it’s like to float on the moon.

And for the grand finale of the showcase’s VR experiences, hop onto the Gyro VR and speed off into another dimension.

A Vision for the Future

Olympians inspire people from all over the world to aim higher, and in that spirit of optimism, Samsung hopes to inspire a better future by developing meaningful technology that helps make life easier.

The Showcase gives visitors a glimpse of what that future could look like. The Smart Home exhibition shows precisely how smartphone technology can enrich our lives and help us achieve more. Packed with demonstrations by experts in different areas, the exhibition shows that having an AI assistant at home is no longer the stuff of science fiction.

Whether it’s cooking, cleaning or relaxing, Samsung envisions a future in which all this can be done with the help of smartphones and other smart devices.

Play Like Nobody’s Watching

Creativity is a critical part of the Olympic Games atmosphere. Whether it’s an athlete’s signature move or the special signs made by fans to cheer on their favorite team, creative expression is everywhere at the Olympic Games.

To generate excitement fit for this global event, Samsung’s showcase offers fans at PyeongChang 2018 the opportunity to rediscover their inner child and unleash their imaginations through the latest technology.

One of the Showcase’s highlights is Infinity Moment – a room that transforms artwork created by visitors with a Galaxy Note8 and S Pen into a mind-bending experience. Just remember to have a camera ready: It’s a selfie moment no one should miss.

Samsung’s Olympic Showcase is perfect for people of all ages. Young Olympic Games fans can head over to the Kids’ Lounge where they can learn how to program robots and draw without constraints on Galaxy devices.

The Samsung Olympic Showcase is specifically designed to help athletes and fans embrace the excitement of the Olympic Winter Games, enabling them to create, capture and share their own experiences while celebrating the Olympic Spirit.

Members of the South Korea Men’s National Ice Hockey team, Bryan Young, Mike Testwuide, Michael Swift, Matt Dalton, and Brock Radunske visit the Samsung Olympic Showcase in Gangneung Olympic Park in South Korea during the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018.

Team members from the South Korea Men’s National Ice Hockey team show off their skills with winter sports skills by participating in the Galaxy Fitness Alpine Skiing at the Samsung Olympic Showcase in Gangneung Olympic Park in South Korea.

Matt Dalton from the South Korea Men’s National Ice Hockey team feels the exhilaration of gliding down snowy mountains and precipitous cliffs through the Snowboarding VR experience at the Samsung Olympic Showcase in Gangneung Olympic Park in South Korea. The film is displayed through the Samsung Galaxy smartphone and compatible Gear VR.

Inside the Infinity Room at Samsung Olympic Showcase in Gangneung Olympic Park, Matt Dalton, Michael Swift, and Mike Testwuide from the South Korea Men’s National Ice Hockey team experience kaleidoscope like wondrous views controlled by PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games Limited Edition.

Inside the Infinity Room at Samsung Olympic Showcase in Gangneung Olympic Park, Matt Dalton and Mike Testwuide from the South Korea Men’s National Ice Hockey team are all smiles at the kaleidoscope like wondrous views controlled by PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games Limited Edition.

Snowboarder from Italy, Omar Visintin experiences simulated Olympic Snowboarding through 4D motion virtual reality at the Samsung Olympic Showcase in Gangneung Olympic Park in South Korea. The film is displayed through the Samsung Galaxy smartphone and compatible Gear VR.

Six-time Olympian from India, Shiva Keshavan poses for a photo with his PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games Limited Edition at Samsung Olympic Showcase in Gangneung Olympic Park in South Korea. In collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Samsung presented over 4,000 devices to all Olympians, allowing them to capture and share through Samsung mobile technology to enhance their Games-Times experiences.

A true example of “Do What You Can’t,” six-time Olympian from India, Shiva Keshavan stops to hold the Olympic torch as he learns about Samsung’s 20-year heritage as a Worldwide Partner in the Wireless Communications Equipment category while visiting the Samsung Olympic Showcase in Gangneung Olympic Park in South Korea during the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018.

In collaboration with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Samsung Electronics, Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Wireless Communications Equipment and Computing Equipment category, gifted 4,000 devices to all PyeongChang 2018 Olympians, helping them to enhance their experiences in PyeongChang and connect more easily with family and friends around the world.

A special edition of the Galaxy Note8, the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games Limited Edition features a shiny white back glass to celebrate the winter theme, and gold Olympic Rings – inspired by the Olympic Torch – an expression of the Olympic Movement with the union of five continents and unity worldwide.

Throughout the Olympic Winter Games, a total of nine Samsung Olympic Showcases, featuring a mix of cultural, technological and immersive fan experiences, will be in PyeongChang and Gangneung, including Olympic Parks and the Olympic Villages, the Main Press Center, and four at the Incheon International Airport. Samsung Olympic Showcases @ PyeongChang Olympic Plaza and @ Gangneung Olympic Park opening on February 9^th will provide visitors with engaging experiences incorporating Samsung’s legacy of breakthrough innovation and interactive activities powered by Samsung technology.

Athletes and fans will first experience the Samsung brand history and heritage in engineering, design, and craftsmanship, and then the partnership history with the Olympic Games. Then through interactive experiences, visitors will be able to feel the exhilaration and escape into real-world thrills in winter sports through VR including snowboarding and skeleton, as well as participate in alpine and cross-country skiing contests that will challenge fans’ fitness capacity. For the first time, visitors will be able to experience the ‘Mission to Space VR: A Moon for All Mankind’ created by Samsung. Visitors will experience a full space mission including mission briefing, trying on the training suits and helmets, and the truly immersive experience in the Moon rig where they will feel lunar gravity with every step.

“For two decades as a Worldwide Olympic Partner, Samsung has connected fans, visitors and athletes from around the world with our latest technological innovations, which have now evolved to also include immersive experiences,” said Younghee Lee, CMO and Executive Vice President, Samsung Electronics. “We’re delighted to share Samsung’s latest mobile technologies and products so fans and athletes can enjoy new, unique experiences while at the Olympic Winter Games.”

“Over the course of our longstanding partnership, Samsung has brought new experiences and technology advancements to each Olympic Games,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “Samsung helps to make each and every one an exciting and meaningful experience for all.”

Visitors will experience and engage with Samsung’s products and Galaxy brand through a variety of activities through a comfortable, interactive environment, including:

• Immersive VR Experiences: Unique VR experiences powered by the Galaxy Note8 will allow fans to escape into exhilarating moments on the fresh mountain slopes in snowboarding and skeleton as well as escape to space in Mission to Space VR: A Moon for All Mankind’ – available to consumers to experience for the first time. Other experiences include simulated skiing adventures.

• Playful Experiences: Promoting the playful side of technology, Portrait Pool allows visitors to turn their “selfies” into painted characters for social sharing, S Pen Gallery to create own portraits with Galaxy Note8 and S pen as a paint brush, Infinity Moment to create user generated content with the Galaxy Note8.

• Kids Lounge: A dedicated kids lounge in a hands-on zone, where kids can play, learn and explore Samsung products and expand their creativity through hands-on experience.

• Smart Home (IoT): Multi Device and futuristic demos powered by mobile technology that showcase the IoT, helping visitors to imagine the future lifestyle.

• Unbox Samsung: The journey of ‘Unbox Samsung’ where visitors can experience the Living History of Samsung since 1988 when the first mobile phone was launched.

• Purchase and Customer Service: Visitors will also be able receive customer service and make purchases of the mobile products and its accessories.

• Interact & Relax: Within lounges and in the Cultural Community where various lifestyle programs will take place as well as in the Café where food and beverages will be available for purchase using Buddy Points acquired during the interactive experiences.

• Special Events: A series of events will take place at the Samsung Olympic Showcase to enhance the Olympic Winter Games experience including athlete visits and celebrating holiday moments.

In celebration of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Wireless Communications Equipment and Computing Equipment category, today announced that the Official App of PyeongChang 2018 is available for download.

Samsung is once again powering the custom mobile application, as an effort to further enhance the Olympic Winter Games experience for all, ensuring smarter communications and smoother wireless operations during the Olympic Games. The Official App of PyeongChang 2018 was created in partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the PyeongChang Organizing Committee for the 2018 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games (POCOG). The all-in-one app will help fans better enjoy the Olympic Winter Games experience by offering real-time updates, athlete information, medal standings and Olympic and Paralympic records.

Evolving from the Wireless Olympic Works service which began in 2004, the Official App of PyeongChang 2018 offers differentiated content based on location, news updates, ticket and venue information as well as online cheering service to support athletes.

“As part of our commitment to creating an enjoyable Olympic Winter Games experience for athletes, fans, and consumers, we’re proud to create connections, and to help share the Olympic Spirit around the world,” said Younghee Lee, CMO and Executive Vice President, Samsung Electronics. “Through our innovative technology advancements, our goal is to contribute to a meaningful and unforgettable experience for all.”

In addition to providing the latest updates that users need to know about the Olympic Winter Games, the Official App of PyeongChang 2018 is also customizable, allowing users to stay up-to-date on specific events and results they care about the most, and to receive push-notification alerts based on their favorite countries, sports or athletes.

The Official App of PyeongChang 2018 is available in English, Korean, French, Japanese and Chinese, and can be downloaded for free on Google Apps, Google Play Store, and iOS App Store.

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, and Samsung Pay. 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 PyeongChang

In light of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, Samsung Malaysia Electronics had the opportunity to select three inspiring Malaysians as its representatives to be torchbearers at the Olympic Torch Relay PyeongChang 2018. Jin Lim (@Jinnyboy), Jenn Chia (@soimjenn), and Josephine Yap (@jyjosephine) did the honour of relaying the prestigious flame and conveying the spirit of Do What You Can’t.

At the Torch Relay event in Incheon, Korea, Jin or better known as Jinnyboy by fans in Malaysia, was sure to express his pride in being a part of the momentous occasion. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would personally be a part of such an immense event. It is amazing to see Samsung’s significant role in the Olympic Games, and I am extremely grateful to Samsung for allowing me this incredible opportunity.”

Jenn Chia, the beloved singer, songwriter, host, and YouTuber, echoed Jin’s sentiments, adding that this was one of her dreams come true. “I have always been a huge fan of the Olympic Games, especially the ceremonies and rituals that take place, before and after its officiating. Being a part of this is just surreal, and will be something I will never forget,” she said.

Jenn Chia exclaiming her pride over being a part of the Olympic Torch Relay PyeongChang 2018

Jenn passing on her flame to Jinnyboy

Josephine Yap also made sure to express her gratitude for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “I have always been a big dreamer, but this was totally unexpected. Thank you Samsung Malaysia for recognising me as a worthy representative to bear the iconic Olympic torch,” she said.

As a presenting partner of the Olympic Torch Relay PyeongChang 2018, Samsung had selected these three Malaysians with inspirational background in pursuing and achieving their dreams in the Malaysian entertainment landscape. Mr. Yoonsoo Kim, President from Samsung Malaysia Electronics said that he hopes this will set a positive example for Malaysians to set out and achieve their dreams, regardless of the hurdles.

“Samsung Malaysia helps the Olympic spirit extend beyond the arena to inspire everyone. Our nominations of Jin, Jenn, and Josephine are meant to encourage everyone to actively take part in and enjoy not just the Olympic Games, but the things that we are most passionate about in life as well,” said Mr. Kim.

As Samsung Malaysia’s picks to be torch bearers, all three have exhibited strong resolve in achieving their dreams, true to Samsung’s theme of Do What You Can’t. In his early twenties, Jin tirelessly worked several part time jobs so that he could afford his first camera to create videos. Now, he is known as one of the country’s pioneering YouTubers with over 800,000 subscribers, and he has never looked back since.

Jinnyboy holding up his torch at the Olympic Torch Relay PyeongChang 2018

Jinnyboy passing on his flame to Josephine Yap

Josephine had social anxiety in her earlier years but through opportunities with Jin and his YouTube channel, managed to completely step out of her comfort zone and thrive. Jenn, on the other hand, was a self-declared awkward person with self-esteem issues who never enjoyed social gatherings or even making eye contact.

“I couldn’t stomach the thought of being crippled by fear for my entire life. To overcome that, I started saying ‘yes’, first with smaller things like learning to make eye contact with people. Next was to say yes to singing and song-writing, and finally, to making YouTube videos and performing live,” said Jenn. “I learned that you have to take ownership of your choices. If you choose to hide from the world because you’re afraid, don’t complain when you realize you’ve done nothing with your life. That’s one thing I wanted to overcome and avoid.”

Josephine agreed, adding that her involvement with Samsung at the Olympic Torch Relay PyeongChang 2018 has helped to motivate her to achieve bigger things in life. “I see this as inspiration to step even further out of my comfort zone and aim for higher goals. Like many others, I’ve failed in many things but have learned to never give up. To me, ‘Do What You Can’t’ means keep trying despite all odds. There are plenty of things that most would think you can’t do, but I’d rather try than regret it later,” said Josephine, whose next dream is to design and establish her own clothing brand.

Josephine Yap holds up her flame during the torch relay march

Josephine Yap passing on the flames to the next torchbearer

Jin added that he hopes the rest of the world, especially Malaysians, to join in on the full Olympic excitement and continue to support our participating countrymen. You don’t have to be in PyeongChang to witness or get into the spirit of the Games and that is the beauty of technology! Technology brands like Samsung have innovated tirelessly to turn this world into a globally connected community to allow us to experience what we previously couldn’t. I hope that everyone around the world would take the opportunity to witness the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 and to cheer on for these athletes who unwaveringly do what they can’t. This event is doubly significant to me, as not only was I able to hold the Olympic torch, but a personal friend of mine is here, representing Malaysia,” he said.

Samsung’s three picks extended their well wishes to Julian Yee, a participating Malaysian taking part in the Olympics Winter Games PyeongChang 2018’s figure skating event this year. “All the best, Julian! By bringing the Malaysian flag to this esteemed global event, you’re already making Malaysia proud. As they say, they harder the battle, the sweeter the victory. Malaysia Boleh!” they echoed.

Julian Yee is a 20-year-old, who won a SEA Games gold medal in the first-ever figure skating event in 2017. A true symbol of Samsung’s Do What You Can’t ideology, he was determined to make it big in the figure skating scene ever since he can remember. After overcoming the different challenges and conquering the figure skating landscape in Malaysia, Julian now aims for something much bigger – taking over the global stage – starting with the Olympics Winter Games PyeongChang 2018.

Samsung is currently in a partnership with Julian Yee for a special and exciting project. Stay tuned for more updates at https://www.samsung.com/my/, https://www.facebook.com/SamsungMalaysia/ and https://www.youtube.com/user/SamsungMalaysia.