Beijing 2022 model for multi-purpose sports venues, says IOC official
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E-mail Xinhua, February 11, 2022
Beijing 2022 has raised awareness of sustainability in China and created a model for multi-purpose sports venues to be used throughout the year, said Marie Sallois, director of corporate and sustainable development of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
"This approach of legacy reflects an overall approach - creating long-lasting benefits for people - it's not just about venues. This is why we put the emphasis on maximizing the use of permanent venues. In Paris, for example, 95 percent of venues will be existing or temporary; in Milan 93 percent," said Sallois.
Sallois made the remarks at a press conference and spoke highly of the legacy and significance of Beijing 2022.
"As we know, Beijing has already made history as the first city to host both summer and winter editions of the Olympic Games. In that respect Beijing 2022 has been able to build on the legacy of Beijing 2008," Sallois explained.
"The first very visible legacy is the five venues from 2008 which have been renovated and can now host both summer and winter sports. Most emblematic is the Water Cube which is now the Ice Cube," she continued.
The Water Cube, or the National Aquatics Center, was the venue for swimming and diving competitions during the 2008 Summer Games.
"We have also many more human legacies coming from 2008. The promotion of Olympic values, but also developing a pool of talent and volunteers. Half of the people working for Beijing 2022 have already experienced the games in 2008," Sallois added.
The director was also impressed by China's efforts in promoting winter sports.
"China has launched its largest initiative ever in Olympic history to engage 350 million Chinese in winter sport - either elite athletes or amateurs - thus creating health and social benefits in China and also a global market for winter sports," she noted.
Yan Jiarong, spokesperson for the Beijing 2022 Organizing Committee, also introduced winter sports development in China.
"The Chinese people are enthusiastic about winter sport - it's now very hot in China. If we want to develop winter sports it must be integrated into a national policy to further roll-out participation," Yan explained.
"We will push forward snow tourism, and cooperation with foreign partners in the ice and snow industry. China has played a role in developing winter tourism not only in China, but also across the world," she added.
