Aerial photo taken on May 11, 2019 shows the performance during the 1,000-day countdown celebrations of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Chongli of Zhangjiakou City, north China's Hebei Province. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)
The Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (BOCOG) held a high-level video conference with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on the preparations for Beijing 2022
BEIJING, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (BOCOG) held a high-level video conference with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on the preparations for Beijing 2022 on Monday.
The video conference was attended by Beijing vice mayor and BOCOG executive vice president Zhang Jiandong, BOCOG vice president and secretary general Han Zirong, together with IOC vice president and chair of the Coordination Commission for Beijing 2022 Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. and IOC's executive director for Olympic Games Christophe Dubi, among other officials from both sides.
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Photo taken on Dec. 31, 2019 shows the National Speed Skating Oval, also known as the "Ice Ribbon", in Beijing, capital of China. Construction of the venue is progressing as scheduled. It is expected to host test events in June 2020 for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
The two sides had communications and Q&A sessions over issues including global ticket sales, hospitality programs and promotion of sustainable and legacy projects during the conference.
"Amid the Chinese people's fight against the novel coronavirus epidemic, this video conference on Beijing 2022 preparations represents the understanding and support from the IOC," said Zhang.
"After the coronavirus outbreak, president Thomas Bach sent letters to the Chinese Olympic Committee, expressing his confidence that the Games' preparations will not be affected. Mr. Samaranch Jr. extended high praise over China's effort to contain the epidemic and his confidence in its victory. Although we did not meet in person in recent days, BOCOG has been keeping in close communications with Mr. Samaranch Jr., Mr. Dubi and other IOC officials, reporting important updates."
Photo taken on Dec. 27, 2019 shows children posing with Bing Dwen Dwen, the mascot of Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games during the mascot launch ceremony in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)
"[We not only want to] tell you how close we are to you in the difficult and complicated health situation in your country, but also that we are very, very impressed by how China has been dealing with the situation, how the authority's energy of your country has been dealing with the difficult moment. We are very, very proud of proficiency and dedication. Don't hesitate to let us know in any point of time, if we can give any help any assistance helping you go with the crisis," said Samaranch Jr. ■
