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Kim proposes museum for Samaranch
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- Kim Un-yong, the South Korean sports leader running for the IOC presidency, says if elected he will build a museum dedicated to outgoing IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch. Kim said he wants to pay tribute to the "brilliant service" of the 80-year-old former Spanish diplomat, who is stepping down on July 16 in Moscow after 21 years as head of the International Olympic Committee. "The Olympic spirit and movement have moved foreward by leaps and bounds during his service," Kim said in an interview Monday. "Therefore, it is quite natural to do something to remember and cherish his achievements." Kim said he will propose building the "Samaranch museum" either in Lausanne, Switzerland, the IOC's home city, or in Barcelona, Samaranch's hometown in Spain. Kim said the Samaranch museum would be separate from the existing "Olympic Museum" in Lausanne. The new museum would display Samaranch memorabilia plus items that illustrate his achievements, he said. "Today's Olympics owe tremendously to the leadership of Mr. Samaranch who has led the IOC with vision and determination," Kim said. "His legacy will be remembered by all in the years and decades to come." Kim, 70, is one of five candidates in the race to succeed Samaranch. The others are Jacques Rogge of Belgium, Dick Pound of Canada, Anita DeFrantz of the United States and Pal Schmitt of Hundary. Rogge, Kim and Pound are considered the main contenders, while DeFrantz and Schmitt are outsiders. The IOC will elect the new president in Moscow on July 16.
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