Lausanne, Switzerland, June 11, 2020: The International Olympic Committee’s Coordination Commission for the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February 2022 has praised the progress of the organising committee.
The Commission was joined by International Federations and World Para Sport representatives for a video conference call with the leadership of the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee on June 9. It was the first meeting since last July.
Speaking after the meeting, IOC Coordination Commission Chair Juan Antonio Samaranch said: “China has faced an incredibly difficult period over the past few months – 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 Broadcasters Meeting, Partners Workshop and a National Olympic Committee Open Day.”
The status of venues was one of several talking points during the meeting. This covered the Olympic Village at Yanqing, the completion of the “Ice Jar” indoor training venue on 27 May for short track and curling and the National Sliding Centre and National Alpine Skiing Centre, both of which will be completed this year.
Organisers also revealed that they had received over 800,000 applications for volunteer positions.
Source: www.olympic.org