First Beijing 2022 project review sets foundation for solid Games preparations
The day-long session confirmed that Beijing 2022 is off to a fast start, supported by a team with significant experience from the 2008 Games. Beijing 2022 pledged to work closely with the IOC, winter sports International Federations and outside experts to build on the growing winter sports expertise in China.
The potential for the growth of winter sport in China was demonstrated by the latest figures for snow season visitors in the Zhangjiakou Zone, which will host several snow sports events in 2022. More than 2 million visitors came to Zhangjiakou this winter — double the figure from just three years ago.
The Beijing 2022 team outlined their strategy to fulfil their legacy goal of developing ice sport throughout the city of Beijing and increasing winter sports participation among the 300 million residents of the region.
In addition to legacy and sustainability, the Project Review focused on five other key areas in the initial stage of Games preparations: governance, sport, commercial partnerships, communications, and venues and infrastructure.
IOC Coordination Commission Chair Alexander Zhukov and Beijing 2022 Organising Committee (BOCOG) President Guo Jinlong set the tone for the review with a preparatory meeting on Wednesday. Both came to their new roles with strong relevant experience.
Commission Chair Zhukov was Chairman of the Supervisory Board for the 2014 Sochi Games and chaired the IOC Evaluation Commission for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games. He also serves as President of the Russian National Olympic Committee.
BOCOG President Guo was Executive Chairman of the Beijing 2008 Organising Committee.
In opening remarks at the Project Review, Chair Zhukov said, “The IOC is here to help. I have been in your shoes. I know the challenges that you will face. I do not have to tell you that we are at the beginning of a long road together. I have no doubt that the final destination will be fantastic Winter Games that will leave a great legacy for Beijing and China.”
Responding on behalf of the Organising Committee, Beijing 2022 Executive Vice President Zhang Jiandong said, “We hope you will share your expertise with us, help us identify problems and give us suggestions, so as to keep our preparatory work on the right track all the time.”
At the conclusion of the review, Beijing 2022 Vice President Yang Shu’an declared the session a success for all participants. He said, “The friends from the IOC have gained a more comprehensive and clearer idea of Beijing’s preparatory work, while we have also developed a more accurate and clearer understanding of the preparation and delivery of the Olympic Games.”