SCIO press conference on latest progress of 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games preparations and updates on Yanqing and Zhangjiakou competition zones
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E-mail China.org.cn, December 9, 2021
Yan Cheng:
Thank you. Good morning, friends from the media. Nice to see you. I would like to brief you on the latest progress of the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games preparations in the three competition zones of Beijing, Yanqing and Zhangjiakou.
At present, delivering a successful "Experience Beijing" testing program is a major task for the three competition zones. From Oct. 5 to the end of December this year, 10 international competitions, three training weeks and two domestic trials have been and will be organized in an orderly manner, with the aim of testing all elements of the Games.
Up to now, six events hosted by the Beijing competition zone including the Short Track Speed Skating World Cup, five events hosted by the Yanqing competition zone including the Luge World Cup, and the Ski and Snowboard Cross World Cup event hosted by the Zhangjiakou competition zone, have all successfully concluded. More than half of the events have finished. In December, the Zhangjiakou competition zone will also host three events: the Nordic Combined Continental Cup, Ski Jumping Continental Cup and biathlon international training week.
The test events which have ended all progressed well, achieving the set test goals and receiving positive comments from international sports organizations, athletes and global media.
The main features of the test program are as follows.
First, the event management was in line with international standards. The test competition organizing committee and venue management team cooperated with individual international sports organizations to complete the competition registration, schedule planning, venue preparation, equipment preparation and other tasks in an orderly manner. All of the work aligned well with the competition rules and technical specifications of the Winter Olympics. The team fully seized the opportunity to gain experience in competition organization. With domestic technical officials as the main body along with international technical representatives and experts, the team jointly completed the whole process of competition preparation, operation, review and evaluation. The whole process of organizing a competition has been fully tested. From meeting the competition schedule and training schedule to the provision of complete services, the process went smoothly and in compliance with the Olympic rules. Kit McConnell, sports director of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), commented that the IOC has received unanimously positive feedback from athletes in the Beijing 2022 test series.
Second, technologies were introduced in the venues and facilities. The relevant test venues and facilities each have their own features, which all meet the technical standards required by the Winter Olympics and have employed a series of scientific and technological innovations. As the world's first Winter Olympic venue using carbon dioxide transcritical direct cooling ice making technology, the National Speed Skating Hall continued to improve its ice making skills and produced a high-quality ice surface. Some athletes achieved their career-best performances at the venue and called the "Ice Ribbon" the "fastest ice surface." The National Snowmobile and Sled Center features a long track with large slopes and numerous curves. Through technological innovation, the accuracy and temperature control problems of the track have been solved. For the first time, concrete for a 360-degree loop was applied in a single application. The center, dubbed the "Snow Dragon," meets the requirements for hosting competitions. As professional venues for the Winter Olympics sports, these stadiums also showcase China's scientific and technological strength.
Third, the staff were in position and venues and facilities in place, just as they will be for the upcoming Winter Games. Under the direct command of the leading group of the 24th Winter Olympic Games, the command system during the Games entered full operation. The Main Operation Center, serving as the central organization, played a leading role in coordinating all venues in the various competition areas. Directors of all venues shouldered responsibilities in resource allocation, event operation, service provision and emergency response, ensuring that 98% of the problems were resolved on the scene. The venue staff were all in position, worked together across different departments and fulfilled their roles in presenting the sports, providing technical support, TV broadcasting and in other areas, so as to test all elements for the Olympic Games. Cooperating with the venue staff, relevant local governments also carried out their tasks in epidemic prevention and control and assigning personnel.
Fourth, services were provided with a person-centered approach. Requirements were met in detail and high-quality services were provided in all aspects including clothing, food, accommodation and transportation of athletes and relevant personnel. For example, hotels during the test events sold licensed merchandise at reception and provided a variety of food and beverages including coffee. Athletes who celebrated their birthdays received wishes, which was heartwarming, and for another example, barrier-free facilities were optimized. During the World Wheelchair Curling Championship, carefully designed and barrier-free ramps were installed in venues to facilitate people with disabilities. The person-centered service was lauded by Kate Caithness, president of the World Curling Federation.
Fifth, strict COVID-19 prevention and control measures were taken. Under the leadership of Beijing municipality and Hebei province, we implemented epidemic prevention and control measures during the test events while complying with the prevention requirements of each city. The BOCOG, IOC and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) jointly released the first playbook that outlines anti-COVID-19 measures, and consensus was reached among various stakeholders. In accordance with the requirements of "one test, one policy" and "one venue, one policy," every venue strictly implemented epidemic prevention plans and imposed prevention and control measures such as remote monitoring, vaccination, closed-loop management and nucleic acid testing in accordance with the epidemic prevention standards during the Winter Olympics. During the test events, the closed-loop management during the whole process meant that athletes and organizers were separated from the general public to protect everyone's health, which was recognized by all parties at home and abroad.
While the trials were held, preparatory work for the Winter Olympics continued to deepen. All 12 competition venues have been completed and ready for hosting competitions. For instance, the ice event venues have completed ice-making and track preparation work for the snow event venues are progressing smoothly. Meanwhile, the Winter Olympic Villages in the three competition zones are completed and newly decorated, illuminating floor lamps in the buildings one after another, and carrying out a series of full-process, full-factor and scenario-based operational stress tests. The operation teams of all competition and non-competition venues have been established, with personnel in place, ready to welcome the arrival of the Games. Accommodation, catering, transportation, medical care, security and other services are advancing in an orderly manner. Preparations for the torch relay and opening and closing ceremonies have been strengthened day-by-day, and publicity and promotion activities have continued to increase. It is worth mentioning that on Nov. 28, the BOCOG and the IOC co-launched a comprehensive drill entitled "One Day in Competition," triggering different emergency scenarios, conducting a comprehensive inspection of the Winter Olympics' command, dispatch and emergency response capabilities, and laying a solid foundation for the Games to be held on schedule, safely and smoothly.
Next, we will make effective responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, optimize the organization of the competition, improve the venues' operation mechanisms, ensure the service guarantee for the Games, and further strengthen the training and drills for the organizing personnel, as we sprint toward the finish line and strive to win the final victory in the preparation work. During this period, we welcome media friends and people from all walks of life to send us valuable opinions and suggestions.
We firmly believe that under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee and with the strong support of Chinese people, together with the international community, the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will be a resounding success, and we will present a streamlined, safe and splendid Games to the world.
Thank you!
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