The 2013 Pyeongchang Special Olympics World Games are just around the corner, as they are due to kick off on Jan. 29 for their eight-day run. Competitions will be held both in this alpine city and nearby Gangneung, Gangwon Province, and will feature 3,190 athletes from 111 countries.

The organizing committee and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism invited the media to take a look at the competition venues at the Alpensia Resort in Pyeongchang and athletes training there on Thursday

The Special Olympics is an international sporting event for people with intellectual disabilities such as autism, developmental disorders and Down's syndrome. Unlike the quadrennial Paralympic Games, the Special Olympics is held every other year.

It will feature seven sports including alpine skiing, cross country skiing, snow boarding, snow shoeing, speed skating, figure skating and floor hockey.