Beijing 2022 confirms its reliability and determination to contribute to the development of winter sports to the IOC membership in Lausanne

Lausanne, June 9 – China’s Vice Premier Liu Yandong today reiterated Beijing 2022’s offer of an assured Games delivery and great prospects for winter sports during a presentation to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games Candidate City Briefing in Lausanne.

The eight-member panel put forward a strong case for Beijing to the IOC members, explaining how the Bid is embracing the Olympic Agenda 2020 principles through its concept of athlete-centred, sustainable and economical Games, while offering much more: an opportunity to grow winter sports in one of the biggest markets in the world, as well as an enjoyable atmosphere of a big cosmopolitan city and an exceptional mountain setting at the foot of the Great Wall.

Liu Yandong said: "Beijing 2022 offers the chance to stage the world’s greatest winter sports event against a backdrop of spectacular Chinese landscape, history and culture. We will honour every commitment we made. We are a safe and reliable choice."

Vice Premier Liu also highlighted the passion towards winter sports held by China’s youth, which has been fueling the Beijing 2022 Bid:

"Nation-wide support for our bid exceeds 90%, according to the opinion polls by both the IOC and Beijing 2022. The Chinese people, especially the energetic and enthusiastic young generation, truly wish to host the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing in 2022."

The presentation demonstrated that China has been a loyal partner of the Olympic Movement for many years and will be the right choice for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games. Throughout its Bid Campaign, Beijing has guaranteed that the Olympic Family will benefit with Beijing from a number of strengths, including:

• Assured delivery based on maximum use of strong existing hosting assets and a stable, resilient and diversified Chinese economy

• Full government support and significantly high public support

• A strong pledge to increase participation in winter sports

• A truly sustainable Games concept based on existing and on-going programmes with clear objectives and budgets

• Truly memorable and unique Games setting

It has also been announced during the presentation that the country is expanding the Chinese Olympic Museum, and plans to hold an International Winter Sports Expo every year to share with the world the new and vast business opportunities from China's thriving winter sports industry.

Mayor of Beijing and President of the Beijing 2022 Bid Committee Wang Anshun illustrated the exceptional legacy that the Beijing 2008 Games brought to the city, as well as the fact that Beijing 2022 is seeking to capitalize on making its contribution to the accountability of the Olympic Movement: "The annual average use of the 2008 venues, including the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube, exceeds 85%. Over half of Beijing’s population regularly participates in sport. And over 2.6 million registered volunteers play important roles in city development, as well as in people’s lives."

Mayor Wang said: "I believe many of you have visited Beijing. The ancient, open, inclusive and diverse city is changing every day while showing the world its unique charm and vitality. We will provide all the client groups of Beijing 2022 with a brand new experience."

He also explained why Beijing 2022 would be the safest choice for the Olympic Movement: "We have evaluated all possible Games-related risks. With strong public support and government guarantees, sound natural conditions, comprehensive experience in Games organization, and your guidance, we are confident that all potential risks can be effectively managed."

Regarding China’s financial capabilities to host a successful Games, the presentation emphasized that the financial plan for Beijing 2022 is responsible and practical, makes full use of existing legacy venues and is validated by intense interest from both public and private enterprise investors. Enterprise investment comprises 65% of the venues capital investment, again reflecting the strong market economy.

Winter sports have been experiencing rapid development, becoming a new trend in China. To attract 300 million people to ice and snow sports, the Chinese Olympic Committee has been implementing numerous winter sports promotional programmes with dedicated budgets. Having so many people participating in winter sports is an unprecedented historical opportunity for the sustainability of the Olympic Movement and winter sports.

Chinese winter sports stars play an important part in these programmes. Yang Yang, two-time Olympic champion in short track speed skating and IOC member, said:

"As role models in China, we are deeply involved in our bid. Our opinions and voices are heard."

"Beijing 2022 will provide the best possible sports environment for athletes with outstanding venues and excellent services. And all of our venues will be completed two winter seasons before the Games, providing opportunities for athletes to familiarize, train and compete at the Games venues, including at Test Events."

Yu Zaiqing, IOC Vice President and Vice President of the Beijing 2022 Bid Committee, concluded the presentation on a powerful and emotional note:

"In 2008, together with the IOC, we created Games that reflected the Olympic values. We honored our commitment then. Today, we make new promises, and we stand before you with our commitment to deliver them."

"In this constantly changing world with diverse choices, our passion for the Olympic Movement and our determination to honor our commitments will never change.

We are ready to fully cooperate with the IOC, IPC, and IFs to provide the safest and most reliable choice for the 2022 Games. We are committed to continuing our long relationship with you."

The 2022 Olympic Winter Games Host City Election will be held on July 31, 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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Beijing-2022@beijing-2022.cn

(Ms) LIN Jie – linjie@beijing-2022.cn – T +86.10.8220.9719

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