Present there were Vice-President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly Yang Hyong Sop, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea Kim Jung Rin, officials concerned, overseas compatriots and foreign guests.

Entering the venue of the ceremony amid the warm welcome of the audience were figure skaters from the DPRK, China, Russia, Slovenia, Ukraine and France.

Pak Hak Son, chairman of the Physical Culture and Sports Guidance Commission, said in his opening address that sportspersons of different countries have adorned the festival with splendor in praise of Kim Jong Il on the occasion of the February holiday every year.

He expressed belief that the festival would register great success by efforts of Korean sportspersons and close friends of different countries.

There was a group performance of DPRK figure skaters at the ceremony.

At the end of the ceremony, demonstrations were given by players of the DPRK and other countries who proved successful in various international tournaments.

The festival continues.