SPORT / OLYMPICS
Spokespersons of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics condemn politicization of Games; elaborate organizers’ preparation for dealing with COVID-19 risks
Published: Jan 05, 2022 01:57 PM Updated: Jan 05, 2022 01:51 PM


Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Photo:VCG
Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Photo:VCG


Politicizing sports goes against the spirit of "togetherness" and it will only result in division, said one of the spokespersons of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games on Wednesday. Another spokesperson said that China as an organizer is closely evaluating the risks of the Omicron variant on the Games. 

Zhao Weidong, Yan Jiarong, two spokespeople from the Beijing Organizing Committee of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games made public appearance. 

During the interview, Yan pointed out that Olympics and sports should not be used as political tools, adding that politicizing sports will only create division. 

Her comments come after the US and a handful of its allies said they won't send government officials, or senior government officials, to attend the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Yan said that as the human society is facing multiple challenges globally, the international society needs more than ever the Olympic spirit and togetherness. She said that the few noises cannot hinder the successful holding of the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, and cannot stop the world from being united to create a better world.

Zhao introduced how China is preparing for the games. Except for the stadiums and infrastructures, he said, COVID-19 control is also an important part of the preparation.

He admitted that COVID-19 has brought great challenges for the organizing work, and that they are paying close attention to the contagious virus, especially the new Omicron variant, to evaluate its impact on the Games. 

Yan pointed out that they have decorated the Games with special Chinese factors, such as the design for Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, named Dong Meng or Winter Dreams, which is inspired by the Chinese character for "winter" and showed by the art form of Chinese calligraphy, which perfectly integrates oriental culture in international style.

Yan also said that the event is coincided with China's Lunar New Year, which is expected to bring the world culture experiences of this most Chinese traditional festival. She believes such a combination of sports and culture, the West and the East will give a especial feeling to the people. 

Global Times