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E-mail China.org.cn, December 30, 2024
China's National Aquatics Center launched a youth ice sports program in Beijing on Dec. 27, inviting local students to experience curling and ice skating at the dual-Olympic venue.
Young participants try curling at the underground ice sports arena in Beijing's National Aquatics Center, Dec. 27, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
The program, part of the venue's annual "Winter Sports for a Shared Future" series, will host 1,000 students from 10 local schools, including winter sports academies and institutions for students with disabilities.
Young participants try curling at the underground ice sports arena in Beijing's National Aquatics Center, Dec. 27, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
Students took their first steps on ice under professional coaching at the venue's underground Ice Sports Center during the launch ceremony. While some cautiously explored ice skating basics, others tried their hand at curling.
Young participants skate at the underground ice sports arena in Beijing's National Aquatics Center, Dec. 27, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
A key legacy of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the Ice Sports Center has become a landmark for ice skating, curling and fitness activities since opening in August 2022. With top-tier facilities, expert coaching and comprehensive services, the venue continues introducing young people to winter sports while integrating sporting culture with youth development and advancing Beijing's Olympic legacy.
Young participants view a 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics exhibition at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing, Dec. 27, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]
The National Aquatics Center, which hosted curling events during the 2022 Games, led Olympic competition venues in both the number of sessions and duration. Known as the "Water Cube" during the 2008 Olympics and later the "Ice Cube" in 2022, it stands as the world's only dual-Olympic venue capable of hosting both water and ice sports. The facility pioneered Olympic venue design by installing a curling track above its swimming pool, offering the world a "Chinese solution" for Olympic venue transformation.
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