Beijing passes Winter Olympics test

The Bird’s nest stadium in Beijing

Beijing, March 30 (IANS)

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) evaluation commission has completed its visit to Beijing, which is bidding to host the 2022 Winter Olympics with Zhangjiakou, and is pleased with what it found.

"It was clear that you embraced the spirit and goals of Olympic Agenda 2020. Our visit confirms that Beijing is capable of hosting a successful 2022 Olympic Winter Games," Alexander Zhukov, the chief of the evaluation commission, was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

"This week, you have presented your concept for 2022 in a very considered and collaborative way.

"The great passion that exists here for the Olympic Games has been inspiring. For this reason I am sure that - regardless of the outcome in July - your ambitious plans for the future of Beijing and the development of winter sport in your country will be realised," he added.

During the past five days, the 19-member IOC evaluation commission visited venues in the Beijing, Yanqing and Zhangjiakou clusters that make up the city's bid plan to host the Games.

It examined the 14 themes of the IOC's candidature questionnaire, which include topics such as vision, legacy and engagement, transportation, accommodation, finance and sustainability.

Beijing is in a two-horse race with Almaty, Kazakhstan, following the withdrawal of a number of bidders. On paper, the odds seem stacked in favour of Beijing.

Beijing has developed an athlete-centred, sustainable and economical Games concept, which is in line with the latest IOC reforms.

The Chinese capital will capitalise on the legacies of the successful Beijing 2008 Summer Games, including existing venues, city's well-developed infrastructure and experience of hosting major international events.

The Beijing 2022 Bid Committee confirmed that the key infrastructure required to host the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games is already in place. It is also supported by the region's status as a modern world-class destination for tourism and business with a strong experience in hosting international events.

The three-zone plan will see Beijing host opening and closing ceremonies as well as all ice sports while Yanqing and Zhangjiakou will host snow competitions.

Yanqing and Zhangjiakou offer a natural beauty paired with stunning views of the Great Wall which serves as a unique setting for snow competitions.

Yanqing and Zhangjiakou will feature their own dedicated Mountain Media Centres, with these environmentally-friendly temporary facilities set to be dismantled and removed after the Games. Both centres will be located within walking distance from the venues.

China is dedicated to establishing a fully all-year-round sports culture and developing its huge winter sports market potential by encouraging public participation.

In this way, Beijing 2022 will also help promote healthy lifestyle across China. Beijing 2022 will directly contribute to creating approximately 600,000 additional jobs within the plan to develop sport, culture and tourism in the region.

The IOC evaluation commission will on June 1 release a comprehensive assessment report following their visits to Beijing and Almaty, earlier this year. The IOC will announce the host city on July 31 in Kuala Lumpur.