The WCO 2004 Culture Games began in Seoul, Korea. Nearly 400 artists from every inhabitable continent in the world had landed on the Korean peninsula that night, eager to share and exchange their artistic traditions and cultural heritage. Representing 33 countries, these emissaries of art and culture were primed to display, much like an Olympic festival, the pride and joy of their tradition. And Seoul was equally ready to host them.

Situated within Seoul 's renowned performance halls-Sejong Center and Hoam Arts Center-the ensuing competitions spanned three artistic and cultural categories:

Creative Arts, Holistic Wellbeing, and Humanitarian Service. Selected by WCO's visionary founders as essential pathways to a peaceful planet, these approaches embraced and legitimated the importance of

1) preserving the value of cultural identity, as expressed through creative traditions;
2) cultivating the capacity of the mind, body and spirit, as expressed through healing and martial arts; and
3) building healthy and sustainable environments to enable diverse cultures to thrive in harmony for centuries to come.

The artistic and cultural tapestry that wove its colorful web on the Seoul stages left many an observer overwhelmed with emotion. Traditional Azerbaijan musician, Aliyev Jamik of Sharqbulbul Trio, emphatically responded to this convergence of culture and color with the following quote:

"I have traveled to almost every country of the world and have seen many things. Yet I have never seen such an impressive gathering of all kinds and forms of culture in one place. I could feel the power of culture and its ability to remove borders between nations and peoples."

The Azerbaijani musician was not alone in his reflection. Traditional Russian dancer, Mikhail Mizyukov, who was leading Moscow State historical and Ethnographic Theater, spoke glowingly about the cultural exchange by saying:

"Frankly, speaking, I doubted that different cultures and different languages could communicate with each other. What I see now is quite different from what I imagined. It actually brings us closer when we meet face to face. Now I am confident that it is those who grasp deep understanding of their own culture and are proud of it that can truly appreciate other cultures. I hope this is not the last time we meet together."

Near the conclusion of the WCO 2004 Culture Games, participants gathered to be honored at "Harmony" Award Ceremony, a special award ceremony prepared for the competition winners, hosted at Seoul 's Grand Hilton Hotel. A total of 24 groups were awarded* for excellence in artistic and cultural presentation.