15 September, Daegu, Korea – The President of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Lee Myung-bak, emphasised on the successful hosting of next year’s IAAF World Championships Daegu 2011 during his visit to the Daegu Stadium today.

President Lee also promised the government’s full support for the successful hosting of the IAAF World Championships Daegu 2011.

“The IAAF World Championships Daegu 2011 will be a perfect opportunity to enhance the international standing of Korea and Daegu Metropolitan City,” said President Lee during his visit. “Daegu 2011 must be a festival that every Korean can participate in and enjoy to their fullest contentment.”

Accompanied by Local Organising Committee (LOC) Co-Presidents Bum-Il Kim and Hae-Nyoung Cho, as well as other dignitaries and Korean athletes, President Lee toured the Daegu Stadium and was briefed on the ongoing stadium refurbishments, including the resurfacing of a blue track supplied by Mondo.

Turning his attention to the development of athletics in Korea, President Lee granted an audience with some of Korea’s most talented athletes. He reminisced on the record-breaking performances of teenager Gook-Young Kim, who sensationally broke the 31-year-old Men’s 100m Korean National Record last June. He praised the outstanding improvements of Korean athletes, and urged others to consistently raise their standards for the glory of the nation.

“We are tremendously grateful to President Lee for visiting Daegu and expressing his support for the IAAF World Championships Daegu 2011, despite his busy schedule” said LOC Co-President Kim, who is also mayor of Daegu Metropolitan City.

“We keep in our hearts his support for our Championships, and we promise to do our best to deliver the best-ever IAAF World Championships!”

President Lee wrapped up his visit with a rallying cry of the Daegu 2011 slogan, “Sprint Together for Tomorrow!”