While the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics are undoubtedly more popular than the Winter Paralympics that follows, organizers are trying to change that by turning to social media to attract new fans. Shane Hahm reports.
It's the Paralympics in the digital age. This production team is filming a segment for a nightly show. Broadcasts go out via social media sites, like Facebook and YouTube.
SUNG EUN-YONG DIGITAL COMMUNICATION TEAM, PYEONGCHANG ORGANIZING COMMITTEE "We try to relay news of the Olympics and Paralympics to young, overseas viewers. We hope it leads to more curiosity so eventually more people will visit the venues and come to watch the events."
The International Paralympic Committee is encouraging athletes to embrace social media. The goal is to allow them to connect with fans outside the field of play.
SHANE HAHM GANGNEUNG, SOUTH KOREA "Traditional broadcasters pay big money for rights to broadcast these Games and protecting those rights is necessary. But officials are also realistic, saying it's important for fans and athletes to be able to share their experiences in Pyeongchang through social media."
Organizers credit a growing interest in Paralympic sports and a new generation of fans. And, social media is a way to tap into a younger, more tech-savvy demographic.
KIM JI-HO PARALYMPIC FAN "You can easily follow athletes and their private lives through social media. We can also easily get official news like medal awards. So I feel like we are getting closer to the athletes."
The excitement of Pyeongchang 2018 is winding down. But through social media, fans can connect with their favorite athletes long after the Paralympic flame is extinguished. SH CGTN GN SK.