World

British scouts at S Korea event moved to hotels

Aug 06, 2023

London [UK], August 6: British children attending the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea have been moved to hotels after young people were treated for heat-related illnesses amid one of the country's hottest summers.
Temperatures have soared to 35C at the campsite near the south-western town of Buan this week, where more than 40,000 scouts from around the world have gathered.
The UK Scout Association, which is the largest contingent there, said young people and adult volunteers will be moved to hotel accommodation in the country's capital Seoul over the next two days to help "alleviate the pressure" on the site.
It said in a statement: "We know that may be a disappointment for some and we will continue the Jamboree experience in Seoul, working with Korean authorities on a programme of activities so our young people still get the most from their time in Korea.
"Young people will travel home as originally planned from August 13.
"While we have been on site at the Jamboree, the UK volunteer team has worked extremely hard with the organisers, for our youth members and adult volunteers to have enough food and water to sustain them, shelter from the unusually hot weather, and toilets and washing facilities appropriate for an event of this scale."
Thousands of British teenagers aged 14 to 17 travelled to South Korea for the 12-day event, which is hosted by a different nation every four years.
At least 108 people have been treated for heat-related illnesses, most of whom have recovered, it was reported on Thursday.
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: "We understand that a decision has been taken by Scouts UK to relocate British scouts from the World Scout Jamboree at SaeManGeum to Seoul.
"The Embassy remains in close contact with ScoutsUK and will continue toprovide support where required."
Source: Qatar Tribune