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The International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Coordination Commission for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics has this week released an update on the Games’ preparations, praising the organisers’ achievements to date.

The Commission, which was joined by International Federations and World Para Sport representatives, met with the leadership of the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee via video-conference for an update on the work accomplished since the previous Commission meeting last July.

Acknowledging the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in China in recent months, IOC Coordination Commission Chair Juan Antonio Samaranch stated “China has faced an incredibly difficult period over the past few months (and) our thoughts are with all those impacted.

“We are glad to see a significant improvement in the situation in China, allowing the Organising Committee to return to almost normal working conditions.

“Despite these unique circumstances, Beijing 2022 has continued to meet key milestones, a true testament to its determination to provide the perfect stage for the world’s top winter athletes in just under two years’ time.”

Beijing 2022 Executive Vice President Zhang Jiandong added “after the outbreak of COVID-19 and following the recommendations and requirements of the Chinese government, Beijing 2022 not only prioritised the prevention and control of the pandemic, but also focused on Games preparations to ensure venue construction could resume at the earliest opportunity.

“Beijing 2022 has also taken steps to improve its management, general planning and coordination for the delivery of the Games. By innovating its working style, Beijing 2022 hosted a series of events via video conference, including the World Broadcaster Meeting, Partners Workshop and a National (Regional) Olympic Committee Open Day.”

During the meeting, Commission members were advised of developments being made on the Olympic and Paralympic Villages as it was confirmed that a section of the Yanqing Village is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

They also welcomed the first completed indoor training venue in the Beijing competition zone, the ‘Ice Jar’, on 27th May.

This facility incorporates two international standard ice rinks, one for short track speed skating, which will be used as a training venue during the Games, and another for curling.

The venue will also become the only winter ice training and competition base of the General Administration of Sport of China in Beijing, undertaking the training and scientific research tasks of the national short track speed skating and figure skating.

Progress reports were also given on the National Sliding Centre and the National Alpine Skiing Centre, both of which will be completed this year.

The Commission also heard about the assessment being conducted by Beijing 2022 in relation to the postponement of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 to 2021. The Organising Committee is keen to ensure its key deliverables, especially during the summer of 2021, avoid any major clashes with the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Other areas covered in the hour-long meeting included Games services, the strong progress made in both the volunteer recruitment process and sponsorship, and cultural and engagement activities.

Lower image shows workers clean the celling in the ‘Ice Jar’ training centre immediately prior to its completion last month. Courtesy of Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin.

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