Sang Eun Lee

SDGs:

IOC Young Leader Bio:

Sang Eun Lee is a former athlete in short-track speed skating and ice hockey. Her sporting career ignited a deep commitment to promoting sport for social good and advocating for athletes, driving her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and a Master’s degree in International Law.

She has contributed meaningfully to the Olympic Movement, serving as a team host for women’s ice hockey at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games and as a National Olympic Committee assistant at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. She brought her vision to life by founding The Dream League, Korea’s first women’s ice hockey league, alongside development programmes aimed at empowering young female athletes. She also serves as a member of the IOC Athletes’ Entourage Commission, where she shares insights from her athlete experience to advance sports governance and athlete representation.

Project: The Dream League

The Dream League was created to close the gender gap in Korean ice hockey and provide girls and women with structured opportunities to play. The programme combines annual leagues – featuring both national and international competitions – with training sessions, life skills development, and the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP), ensuring players, coaches and referees grow as both athletes and community leaders.

Since its launch, The Dream League has evolved from the Republic of Korea’s first women’s ice hockey league into the country’s official national women’s programme. Growing from 120 players in 2022 to more than 350 players across 20 teams in 2024, the initiative now reaches every province and engages in international collaborations. Players developed through the league have already represented South Korea on the international stage, including winning silver at the Gangwon 2024 Youth Olympic Games in women’s 3-on-3 ice hockey.

By focusing on quality training, integrity and the Olympic values, The Dream League has empowered over 1,500 girls and women and established a safe, supportive community, inspiring the next generation of women’s ice hockey players in South Korea and beyond.

ONLINE:

The Dream League on Facebook
Sang Eun Lee on Instagram
The Dream League on Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
Website

Sustained Financing

In recognition of the impact of her project, Sang Eun was granted sustained financing, extending her IOC Young Leader term until the end of 2025. This additional funding supports the scaling and long-term sustainability of The Dream League, building on the progress made during her initial term.