Tickets for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics "are set to be raffled from Feb. 9," according to the PyeongChang Organization Committee. The tickets "are for the opening and closing ceremonies and all 15 events." The POC's official website said that the raffle was "a way to ensure that everyone gets an equal chance to watch the Olympics" and that normal online sales would start on Sept. 5. The tickets are classified A, B, C and D, depending on location. The most expensive seat, an A section seat for the Opening Ceremony, will cost 1.5M won ($1,285) (KOREA TIMES, 1/30).
French handball goalkeeper Thierry Omeyer "believes that his country's hosting of the men's World Handball Championships has highlighted the credentials of Paris as the city bids for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games." Omeyer, a member of the Paris 2024 Athletes' Commission, was between the posts as France beat Norway 33-26 to win the title at the capital's AccorHotels Arena. He said, "The tournament showcased the very best of our nation and we were thrilled to be able to share it with all who participated." Nearly 540,000 total tickets were sold for 84 matches, with 8.7 million people tuning in to watch on French TV and online (INSIDE THE GAMES, 1/30).