IOC, IPC, Beijing 2022 organizers reach consensus after virtual project review
CGTN
Beijing 2022 organizers attend a virtual meeting with IOC and IPC members in Beijing, November 19, 2020. /Xinhua

Beijing 2022 organizers attend a virtual meeting with IOC and IPC members in Beijing, November 19, 2020. /Xinhua

The virtual International Olympic Committee (IOC) - International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Project Review for the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games concluded on Friday with a consensus reached in multiple areas between the IOC, the IPC and local organizers BOCOG.

The two-day meeting on November 19 and 20 was the first project review since the COVID-19 outbreak. It was co-hosted by the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG), executive vice president Zhang Jiandong and IOC coordination commission chair Juan Antonio Samaranch.

During the conference, local organizers had sincere and fruitful discussions with experts from the IOC and IPC over various topics, including transportation, catering, marketing, publicity and the Olympic Village and the Paralympic Winter Games.

"After the outbreak of COVID-19 earlier this year, closely collaborating with IOC and IPC, Beijing 2022 not only prioritized the prevention and control of the pandemic, but also focused on Games preparations. We strive to overcome various difficulties and have made solid progress. In the coming days, facing the new situation and challenges, cooperation among all parties will be even strengthened, thus to lay a solid foundation for the successful Beijing 2022," said Zhang.

An aerial view of the China National Sliding Center for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing's Yanqing District, March 4, 2020. /Xinhua

An aerial view of the China National Sliding Center for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing's Yanqing District, March 4, 2020. /Xinhua

Earlier this month, the China National Sliding Center in Beijing's Yanqing District, which will host the bobsleigh, skeleton and luge competitions during Beijing 2022, went through successful pre-homologation test runs and delegations from four international federations conducted an inspection tour in eight other venues.

IOC coordination commission chair Juan Antonio Samaranch said: "The last two days have been very productive as we prepare to enter a crucial phase for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022. With competition venues set to be completed by the end of this year and plans for One Year to Go activities developing, excitement is really beginning to build."

"There will be challenges ahead, however, which is why, for example, the COVID-19 countermeasure working group, we are fully preparing for all eventualities. To achieve this, the experience and expertise within the local organizing committee, the support from the Chinese and Beijing governments and the close collaboration between all Olympic and Paralympic Movement stakeholders will ensure we are stronger together. This will be vital to delivering outstanding Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing in 2022," he noted.

Aerial view of the China National Speed Skating Oval, also known as the "Ice Ribbon," for speed skating events during the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, August 25, 2020. /CFP

Aerial view of the China National Speed Skating Oval, also known as the "Ice Ribbon," for speed skating events during the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, August 25, 2020. /CFP

IPC President Andrew Parsons also acknowledged the efforts by the BOCOG and expressed confidence that the Games will help push forward the rights of persons with disabilities in China.

"Having set Beijing 2022 the target of taking the Paralympic Winter Games to the next level, they continue to make strong progress despite the unprecedented challenges they face as an organizing committee," he said.

"Working with our counterparts at the IOC, we hope to continue close collaboration with Beijing 2022 as they tackle a complex final full year before the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2022. The Games in Beijing offer immense potential and will do much to advance the rights of persons with disabilities in China."  

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency