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BEIJING -- The International Olympic Committee evaluation commission is scheduled to visit Beijing between March 24 and 28 to access the city's bid for the 2022 Winter Games.
Beijing is now in a two-city race to host the games with Almaty, Kazakhstan, following the withdrawal of a number of potential bidders. The IOC will select the host city on July 31 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Following is an analysis of the strong points about Beijing's bid:
EXPERIENCES
Beijing has vast experiences in hosting major international events, including the Summer Olympics. The near flawless organization of the 2008 Summer Games should convince IOC members that awarding the Winter Games to the Chinese capital city is a safe choice.
FACILITIES
Beijing boasts of a number of first-class venues, some of which would be used for the Winter Games if Beijing wins the bid. The "Water Cube" aquatics center and the National Indoor Stadium are planned for hosting the competitions of ice sports, including figure skating, speed skating, ice hockey and curling.
PUBLIC SUPPORT
According to an opinion poll conducted last year by Ipsos, a global market research company, 94.8 percent of the Chinese people, including 91.8 percent in Beijing and 99.5 percent in Zhangjiakou, support the 2022 bid. The enormous enthusiasm and expectations of the Chinese people should be a key factor in the IOC vote.
LEGACY
The bid has offered China a good opportunity to promote the development of winter sports in the country and spread their popularity. It is estimated that over 300 million Chinese would be involved in winter sports if Beijing wins the right to host the 2022 Winter Games.
Holding the games would also provide greater impetus for reducing Beijing's air pollution.
