Yang Yang, China's first Winter Olympics champion, spoke about China's preparations and resolution to successfully host the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games on Monday.

"Throughout the preparation, athletes have always been at the center of the organizing work, which prioritizes the athletes' safety amid the global pandemic and their overall experience during the Games," said Yang at a video conference of the fourth session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing. 

Besides being a member of the CPPCC, Yang is also the chairperson of athletes' committee of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (BOCOG).

"Epidemic prevention protocols will be scientifically designed to ensure their safety, such as making it convenient for athletes to train during the competition despite quarantine protocols, keeping a safe distance during interviews between media staff and the athletes," added Yang. 

Yang said the committee is determined to present athletes from around the world a memorable time and spread the Olympic spirit. "The 2022 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will hopefully bring hope to many people overcoming their own difficulties in life, and give to the world the best it has to offer," she said.

"Beijing successfully hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 2008. In 14 years' time, the city will once again embrace the Games, by which time Beijing will be the only city to have hosted both Summer and Winter Olympic Games. When all eyes are on China again, they will see the country's victory in extreme poverty eradication, China's achievement in fighting the novel pandemic, among all other achievements," added Yang.

"In 2002, I won my personal, as well as our country's first gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. In 2022, I will be welcoming winter sports athletes from all over the world at the doorstep of my homeland, serving my duty to provide good services, and watching them realize their dreams," said Yang at the end of her speech.

Earlier on March 4 at the "Members' Corridor" ahead of the opening of the fourth session of the 13th National Committee of the CPPCC, Zhang Haidi, political advisor and executive president of the organizing committee for the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Games talked about China's preparation for the Games, and the great enthusiasm of Chinese athletes with disabilities to participate.

"Based on the special needs of people with disabilities, we will undertake further tests before the Games and provide good support and services during the Games," said Zhang.

By improving venue facilities and building tailor-made ones for those with disabilities, China is encouraging and creating more convenience for people with disabilities to participate in winter sports. 

So far there have been 45 venues designed for people with disabilities nationwide, according to Zhang.