The Ice Rink is well decorated to host the festival, with litters "Independence", "Peace" and "Friendship" conspicuous in the venue.

Korean figure skaters are training hard for the festival in the ice rink.

Right before passing away, leader Kim Jong Il watched their demonstrations and promised good figure skates to them. They are preparing for the festival with ardent yearning for him.

They will represent his great feats and lofty traits in the festival.

Jong Sol Mi, a female player of the Pyongyang Railway Bureau Sports Team, told KCNA that she would be very happy to participate in the festival, putting on a pair of figure skates associated with his warm love.

Kim Yong Ho, deputy secretary general of the Figure Skating Association of the DPRK, said that every demonstration would reflect the strong will of the Korean people to hold Kim Jong Il in high esteem forever.

The festival will bring together famous figure skaters from China, Russia and other countries.

It will be held from February 15 to 17 to mark the Day of the Shinning Star (February 16), the birth anniversary of Kim Jong Il.