IOC President Thomas Bach is seen before the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games mascot launch ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 17, 2019. (Xinhua/Li Ming)
BEIJING, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said that the mascot will be a wonderful ambassador for China and the Winter Olympic Games Beijing 2022.
Winter Olympic mascot Bing Dwen Dwen and Winter Paralympic mascot Shuey Rhon Rhon were unveiled at a ceremony here on Tuesday.
"Today is an important step on Beijing's journey to make history as the first city ever in Olympic history to host both summer and winter editions of the Olympic Games," Bach said.
"The launch of the mascot today will generate even more interest for these Games, especially among young people," he added.
Impressed by great preparation for Beijing 2022, Bach commented that "enthusiasm and support for the Olympic Games are tangible wherever you go."
"Thanks to the great work of the Beijing 2022 Organizing Committee, China is on track to deliver green and clean Olympic Winter Games, thereby showcasing a modern and innovative China to the world," he said.
"There are more and more sporting facilities in and around Beijing that are opening ahead of these Games where people can enjoy and practice winter sport," Bach added. "Everywhere you go, you can feel the excitement and the anticipation that the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 are generating already today."
"This demonstrates that the legacy of the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, spreading the joy and benefits of sport to all Chinese people, is already taking shape today.
"The mascot incorporates the best elements and characteristics of China and the Chinese people. What I can say already now is that it will be a wonderful ambassador for China and the Olympic Games Beijing 2022," Bach noted.
International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons felt "super excited" with the launch of Shuey Rhon Rhon prototyped on a Chinese lantern.
"It's a message of the future to the future generation of Chinese people who will be inspired by the amazing faith of the Paralympic athletes," Parsons pointed out.
