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22:09, 06-Feb-2018
Chinese delegation receive warm welcome in PyeongChang
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China is sending the largest ever delegation to the PyeongChang Olympics that coincide with the Spring Festival.
The Chinese delegation have been arriving in South Korea since Monday. The opening ceremony will begin on Friday.
It's freezing in PyeongChang, but the Chinese bobsleigh team received a warm welcome the moment they walked out of the airport on Monday.
This is the first time China competes in the bobsleigh event. The squad was only formed three years ago – inspired by Beijing winning the right to host the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Chinese Olympic Games delegation arrive at Athletes' Olympic Village in Gangneung, February 1. /VCG Photo
Chinese Olympic Games delegation arrive at Athletes' Olympic Village in Gangneung, February 1. /VCG Photo
"We hold the attitude of learning since this is the first time we are competing in the Winter Olympics," said Shen Ke, captain of the Chinese bobsleigh team.
The Chinese curling team is also in South Korea. The curling mixed doubles is one of the four newly-added small events in the Games. Ba Dexin from Chinese curling team said that they would display the Chinese spirit and the best of the Chinese athletes.
Eighty-two Chinese athletes will compete in 55 events over 12 disciplines. On Wednesday, they will hold a flag-raising ceremony in Gangneung. Some teams are already starting on-site training.
The first official test training was arranged in the Gangneung speed skating arena on Monday. Final preparations for the opening ceremony are also ongoing. The first gold medal will be taken in a cross-country skiing event on Saturday. At the closing ceremony on February 25, Beijing will put on an eight-minute show to mark the official handover of the host of the next Games to the Chinese capital.