By James Crook

1gwangMarch 31 - Gwangju 2015 are moving forward with their comprehensive Venue Operation Plan (VOP) as the countdown to the Universiade approaches the two year mark.


Since February last year, Gwangju 2015 has been establishing the VOP in 68 areas, including supplementary venues, with specific focus on the city's 45,000-seater 2002 FIFA World Cup stadium, the Guus Hiddink Stadium, named after the Dutch manager who took South Korea to the semi-finals on home soil after defeating Spain on penalties in Gwangju.

Also, the organised task force team in the GUOC have been developing practical management plans for safety and transportation as well as meeting and observing infrastructure to ensure that it is at an optimal level ready for the two-year to go mark on July 3.

"Hosting the World University Badminton Championship last November was a run-through of the 2015 Universiade to demonstrate the VOP," said a spokesman for Gwangju 2015.

2gwangThe GUOC are constantly monitoring progress of venues to ensure that they are in top condition for the 2015 Universiade













"As a result, it could be a chance to experience actual international games in advance."

The spokesman also claimed that the ever-developing VOP is almost a year ahead of other international events, and it will improve further following the observation of the 2013 Kazan Universiade and the 2014 Asian Games in the South Korean city of Incheon, and by hosting ramp-up events in the lead-up to the 2015 Universiade.

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