Beijing in race for 2022 Winter Olympics Games

2015-07-31 17:55 Beijing makes it, again!

Beijing has become the first city to host both Summer and Winter Olympic Games after beating Kazakhstan's Almaty to hold the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Following a closed-door vote by International Olympic Committee (IOC) members, President Thomas Bach announced that Beijing is the winner of 2022 Winter Olympics during the 128th IOC Session in Kuala Lumpur on Friday afternoon.

With a fully-prepared final presentation by an all-star team, Beijing has successfully convinced the committee members that the 2008 Olympics host city is a more favored candidate for the Winter Games.

The capital promises a sustainable and prudent Olympics by taking full advantages of existing venues. And it will take a series of measures to tackle air pollution for a successful 2022 Games.

2015-07-31 16:56

IOC president Thomas Bach said the counting of votes is finised and the result will be announced at 5:30 pm.

2015-07-31 16:34

IOC members cast their vote by tapping their respective voting machines before the close of the ballot. Candidates had to vote twice after malfunction in the electronics ballot system.

2015-07-31 16:14

Vote of the host cities begins.

2015-07-31 15:43

Preparation for voting

2015-07-31 15:40

Question from Beijing Youth Daily reporter: Does China have any advantages as Chinese presenters unveil presentation after Almaty?

Wang Hui, spokeswoman for the Beijing bid committee

Which city will make the presentations was decided by the IOC. Beijing and Almaty each had a fair chance in presenting their stories. We told the IOC our stories using powerpoint and explained what we could do for the Olympic Family. A wonderful game will be held if Beijing wins the bid for 2022 Winter Olympics.

2015-07-31 15:36

Zhang Li, head of Beijing 2022 Venue Planning and Sustainability, on water supply for snow making question

We have made a thorough and comprehensive water-supply plan to guarantee the water used to make artificial snows be sustainable.

There are three major sources for the water making artificial snows, from the surface water, pools nearby the competition zones; from the reservoirs, and water supply from the South-to-North Water Diversion Project.

We have conducted research and estimated that the water used from the snow-making during the competition and after that will only account for 1 percent of the water consumption of Yanqing county in Beijing and Zhangjiakou city in Hebei province.

Besides, the snow-making will also boost the related industries in these regions.

2015-07-31 15:26

Q: How can the air quality of Beijing be improved in the 2nd five-year plan?

Wang Anshun, Mayor of Beijing:

China is making its next five-year plan for national economic and social development, which will be dedicated in improving ecological environment and air quality. The action plan is under development, and will be launched to the whole nation and the world.

2015-07-31 15:23

Question from Ta Kung Pao: What's the influence of the bid on Zhangjiakou?

Hou Liang, mayor of Zhangjiakou:

Zhangjiakou received great experience from the bid.

First, the city's infrastructure construction has been strengthened. Through a more intense connection with Beijing, standards of urban construction, management and service have improved a lot.

Secondly, through 600 days' bidding, Zhangjiakou has become more world-famous. With the advantages of being close to Beijing, good air quality and a solid foundation for skiing sports, Zhangjiakou has overwhelming investment in 2014, with over 70% from Beijing's investors. If we win, over 200,000 new jobs will be generated and I bet the gap between Zhangjiakou and Beijing will be sharply narrowed by 2022.

2015-07-31 15:22

Wang Anshun, Mayor of Beijing, on the question of air quality

We made a five-year clean air plan from 2013 to 2017 and took measures in many areas, such as automobile and coal emissions and received good results. We are now making another five-year clean air plan for 2018 to 2022 - the standards would be stricter and the efforts would be harder. We will also improve air quality in the cities around Beijing and make sure that the air quality meets the requirement of the Olympic Games before, during and after the Games.

2015-07-31 15:01

Wang Hui on the question of media service in the Winter Games

We will use our international broadcast center and media center both established for the Beijing 2008 Olympics Games if we succeed in our bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics Games, and we will provide our experienced media services for journalists from all over the world at that time.

The key media center of the 2022 Winter Olympics Games will be the one we used in 2008, which is a less than five-minute walk from the National Stadium.

The standard of media centers in Yanqing and Zhangjiakou zones will be the same as the ones in Beijing.

We will also operate special car teams used for commuting reporters among Beijing, Zhangjiakou and Yanqing at that time, and we will provide media coaches on high-speed railways with networks, batteries and some other media services.

2015-07-31 14:54

Yang Yang talks about the bid from the perspectives of a Winter Games athlete

The bid has a clear priority as it is athlete centered and athletes have been involved in the process since the beginning.

There are three major benefits of the athlete-center bid. First, they would be able perform their best with the good environment, comfortable Olympic village and convenient training facilities.

Second, they will enjoy the good services, including the comfortable accommodation, and considerate volunteers.

Third, they will experience different cultures. The Olympics is not only a sport event, but can provide life experience to the athletes, including me. I hope the athletes can experience the Olympic culture and the Chinese culture.

2015-07-31 14:31

Q: I have a question to Yao Ming. I have heard your daughter was good at skating, so would you like her to be a basketball player or an ice hockey goalkeeper?

Answer: Sports are useful for personality development. I will respect her passion, but it is meaningless if there is no passion.

2015-07-31 14:07

Q: How to achieve the goal of 300 million people's participation in winter games?

Liu Peng, President of the Chinese Olympic Committee and Minister of Sport of China:

What we mean by 300 million people's participation is that people who love winter games, who join the building of winter game facilities and who contribute to China's winter game development will all be part of the event. By that, I think the goal of 300 million people's participation in winter games is achievable.

2015-07-31 14:00 -- Wang Anshun, President of Beijing 2022 and the Mayor of Beijing, gives an opening remarks

We are looking forward to the 2022 Winter Olympics Games and are confident fofor Beijing's holding the games.

Beijing delegation gave the final statement just now, further showing our strong willingness and confidence to hold the games.

The government of China, a stable political environment, prosperous economy and harmonious society country, will strongly support us in this bid.

If Beijing succeeds, the good climate, venue legacies, convenient traffic, rich experience of holding world competitions and colorful cultural activities will provide the games with the reliably guarantee.

If Beijing succeeds, skiing and skating sports will be more popularized across the country, inspiring Chinese to enjoy more the winter sports, urging related industries' potential developments and encouraging the country to do more for the Olympics Games.

We have confidence and ability to reach our promise.

We respect the bid committee's decision, hoping friends throughout the world to come to Beijing, view the Great Wall, visit the games and enjoy the Chinese New Year.

2015-07-31 13:47 -- Press conference begins with Beijing team

2015-07-31 13:46 -- Overseas Chinese cheer for Beijing's bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, July 31, 2015.

2015-07-31 13:46 -- Hou Bin, Paralympic high jump champion and Beijing 2022 Ambassador, was interviewed by China Daily reporter Sun Xiaochen after China's presentation.

Q: How do you feel after your presentation as a Paralympic champion?

A: I am very excited. Every Chinese wishes that China wins the bid, which will accelerate the popularization of winter games in China and around the world.

Q: As Beijing 2022 ambassador, how can you help China win the bid?

A: I help disabled people to go out to participate in more winter games and make them healthier.

Q: Did the status of the disabled improve after the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games?

A: It has greatly been improved, such as there are many accessibility facilities, and very disabled people benefit.

2015-07-31 13:46 -- Yao Ming speaks to reporters following China's presentation:

I think I did better during the presentation than usual because I was influenced by the atmosphere there.

If this is our last performance, what has it contributed to our bid?

I don't think the presentation is like a performance, it is a sincere call from our hearts. We really hope that the Olympics can come to China again.

Have you watched the Almaty presentation? What do you think is the advantage of our presentation?

No, I didn't. Right now, I think we should focus on our own job. I think we have done our best, but since I didn't watch the Almaty presentation I can’t say which one is better.

Although you have practiced many times before, did you still feel different when you were at the site?

Of course, I was feeling the same when I first went into the arena in 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. But many of us have fought in competitions so it's easy for us to forget our nervousness on the stage.

2015-07-31 13:46 -- Wang Anshun answers a question about Beijing's sustainable development after Beijing's presentation

The sustainability is one of the core concepts of the bidding process. In the 12 venues proposed in the Beijing's plan, 11 are existing legacy from the 2008 Olympic Games. The new venue will factor in the requirements and growing needs from the public on winter sports.

Besides, the 2022 Winter Olympic has been listed in the integration of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province, which will fuel the regional development, and the integrated growth will support the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

We will learn from the experiences on sustainability from the cities which have hosted the Winter Olympics, making the games gel with the social and economic development.

2015-07-31 13:46

-- Liu Yandong, Vice-Premier of China, wraps up China's presentation

Chinese government fully supports Beijing's bid for 2022 Winter Olympic Games and will provide all kinds of safeguards for the Games, including finance, law, security, health care and organizational operations

The authority will go further to expand and develop winter sports regions, which will bring opportunities for Chinese people to enhance the Olympic Movement.

The Games will inspire 300 million Chinese, especially young people in Beijing, to join the Winter sports’ fun if the city wins the 2022 bid. The Games can ignite their passion, and make them healthier.

Chinese bid for the Games will focus on sustainability, will bring benefits to the local people in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei as the tourist industry, transport and employment in these regions will be boosted.

As a responsible country, China will meet all preparatory pledges.

2015-07-31 13:31 --

Highlights of the speech by Li Nina, Beijing 2022 Ambassador, two-time Olympic medalist and three-time FIS Freestyle Aerials world champion, and Yang Yang, two-time Olympic Champion in Short Track Speed Skating and the IOC colleague

More passion about winter sports

Winter sport tradition and more venues established

Snow in cold winter, climbing slopes and carrying skis in our childhood are still part of my memories. At that time, China had only two aerial skiing venues, but now hundreds of young athletes train in more than 10 specialized venues.

A magic time for the Games

When the Games are held, China will be holding its most important festival: Chinese New Year. It will be an amazing time to visit China, and we’d like to welcome your visit.

2015-07-31 13:30 -- Highlights of the speech by Yao Ming, Olympian, and Beijing 2022's tallest Ambassador

*I consider basketball a winter sport since basketball season in most of the world takes place during winter.

*I played at the Wukesong Arena in 2008 Games, and I look forward to seeing Wukesong covered in ice.

*Olympians and Paralympians stir a passion for sports among millions of young people. Song Andong, the young hockey star, may be seen in 2022.

2015-07-31 13:29 -- Highlights of the speech by Yang Yang, IOC member, China's two-time Olympic Champion in Short Track Speed Skating

Athlete-centered Games

Beijing 2022 has made its priority clear that athletes are the heart of the Games, giving them the best experience. That means there will be perfect competition environment, plenty of enthusiastic fans, comfortable Olympic village and convenient training facilities.

Athletes have been involved in our bid since the beginning, and worked together with the planning team.

Sport-loving nation with growing fans

China has many knowledgeable and excited fans, and we are committed to expanding sports education in our classrooms, business and media.

Long history with Olympic Winter Games

China has a long history with the Olympic Winter Games. More than 500 athletes have competed as Winter Olympians, and 45 have stood on a Winter Games podium winning 53 medals.

2015-07-31 13:07 -- Zhang Haidi, President of the National Paralympic Committee of China, delivers a speech

Winter Olympics and Paralympics will be held in parallel

Winter sports, important part of education

The Games will inspire millions of young people in China to join the fun, ski on our mountains and skate on our lakes.

Accessibility advanced by a full generation

Beijing 2008 Paralympics Games left great legacies for people with impairment, bringing greater respect and care. More people with impairment now take part in sport and have been awarded with countless medals.

Resources - an important priority for China

The Chinese Government has invested significant resources in the development of sport for people with impairment.

Paralympians, true heroes inspire the whole world

The Paralympics flame will encourage all people who have disability, inspiring them to overcome their challenges and realize their dreams.

2015-07-31 12:48 -- Yang Lan, head of Beijing 2022 General Planning and a successful businesswoman, delivers a speech

Thought-out budget plan and growing sports market

China's economy is robust and resilient. It is not dependent on any one sector. We have our fair share of natural resources and we are the world's largest trading partner. These factors give our economy diversity and strength to support every commitment we make.

The IOC Evaluation Commission report noted that our “OCOG budget appears to be well thought-out and presents a viable financial plan.” We assure all stakeholders that their interests will not be affected by foreign exchange risk. With the guidance of the IOC, our experienced Games team developed a plan that is practical on expenses and conservative on revenues.

When Beijing last implemented an Olympic Marketing program, we broke many records and generated $1.2 billion in revenues from our domestic partners. Both international and Chinese companies competed for the right to associate with the Olympic Games.

Growing sports market to facilitate winter sports

Strong marketing success in 2008 sets the stage for us to achieve records for 2022, protecting the long-term financial viability and reputation of the Olympic Games.

With the growth of income and living standards, the purchasing power of Chinese consumers is growing faster than any other major market in the world. Sports and fitness are becoming central to our lifestyle.

The sports industry in China is expected to reach $800 billion by 2025. Winter sport in China and abroad will be the long-term beneficiary of this unparallel growth.

2015-07-31 12:38 -- Liu Peng, President of the Chinese Olympic Committee and Minister of Sport of China, delivers a speech

Winter sport fever is sweeping China

Tremendous growth in the popularity of winter sport

Already 17 ice rinks have opened this year in Beijing. More than a million teenagers skate regularly. Twenty years ago, China had less than 10 ski resorts, but now we have more than 500. Zhangjiakou alone saw the number of ski trips increase by nearly 20 percent last year.

Substantial Development

Eleven of the 12 venues in Beijing are already Games legacy venues, substantially reducing costs. And all new venues planned in Yanqing and Zhangjiakou align with the long-term regional development plans.

Existing snowmaking capabilities

Consistent with previous Games, Beijing 2022 will build on our existing snowmaking capabilities to supplement natural snowfall. Even in its peak operation, our snowmaking system will use less than one percent of the local water supply, with minimal environmental impact.

Strong experience

Our proven event-organizing capability, including holding the Asian Winter Games, will provide a reliable platform for successful winter games.

2015-07-31 12:34 -- Wang Anshun, President of Beijing 2022 and the Mayor of Beijing, delivers a speech

Strong support from the public

The legacy of 2008 Olympic Games continues in Beijing as well as across the country. The polls that the IOC conducted in bidding countries showed that Beijing's bid recorded the highest ever approval with 92 percent of the population backing the bid.

Tough and effective measures to curb air pollution

Beijing is implementing an action plan to enhance the air quality, with the allocation reaching $130 billion. Beijing has already reduced the coal consumption by 30 percent and removed more than a million high-emission vehicles.

Smooth transportation

Beijing will expand its capacity for arrivals and departures with the second international airport, which is scheduled to open in 2019. The Beijing Capital International Airport with direct links from 109 cities worldwide currently serves 82.5 million passengers annually, and the capacity would double after the completion of the second one.

Besides, the high-speed rail will be expanded by 1,500 kilometers each year, and the links from Beijing to Northern China is under construction, which will enable clients to move among venue zones efficiently.

For the urban transportation in Beijing, there is a well-planned Olympic Lane network, and other active traffic management measures.

Sufficient accommodation and catering services

As one of world's top tourist destination, Beijing has received almost five million international tourists and more than 110,000 star-rated hotel rooms. To cater all the Games clients and spectators, Beijing has signed binding agreements with 132 hotels, exceeding the IOC room requirements by 30 percent. The existing accommodation would be able to give them greater choice and convenience.

2015-07-31 12:17 -- President Xi makes case for Winter Games

*The 2022 Olympic Winter Games will boost exchanges and mutual understanding between the Chinese and other civilizations of the world

*Encourage more than 1.3 billion Chinese to engage in winter sports

*Give them yet another opportunity to help advance the Olympic Movement and promote the Olympic Spirit

2015-07-31 12:10--Yu Zaiqing:

President Bach, dear colleagues and friends,

Good morning.

On behalf of our country, we are honored to present Beijing’s bid and to convey the Chinese people’s passion to host the Games in 2022.

I would like to begin with a word of thanks.

To President Bach and my colleagues, thank you for your leadership and vision which is manifested in Agenda 2020. We aspire to authentically embody its principles.

Our thanks also go to the Malaysian Government and the Malaysian National Olympic Committee for your warm hospitality.

And, we extend our regards to our friends from Almaty. As every Olympian knows, an honored competitor makes you perform better.

2015-07-31 12:03 -- Yu Zaiqing, vice-chairman of China's General Administration unveils China's presentation

2015-07-31 11:55 -- Beijing starts its presentation

2015-07-31 10:51 -- Schedule for the big day

Schedule for the last day of presentations of the host cities of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games:

11:45

Photo and filming opportunity on platform at back of Presentation Room during Beijing 2022 presentation

Pre-photo/filming opportunity for Beijing 2022 before they enter Presentation Room

12:00-13:05

Beijing 2022 Presentation

Beijing Presentation and Q&A

Diploma and photo

12:10

Press Conference with Almaty 2022

13:05

Mixed Zone following the presentation of Beijing 2022

13:35

Press Conference with Beijing 2022

15:00-15:40

Reports by the Evaluation Commissions

16:15-16:35

Vote of the host cities

17:30-18:00

Photo and filming opportunity on platform at back of Announcement Ceremony Room during Announcement Ceremony of the host cities

18:00

Mixed Zone following the Announcement Ceremony of the host cities

18:30-18:50

Signature of Host Cities Contracts

18:50

Media gather for press conference with IOC and winning host cities

19:00

Joint Press Conference with the IOC and the YOG 2020 Host City, followed by joint press conference with the IOC and the 2022 Host City

ABC on Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic bid

Beijing, which hosted the 2008 Olympics, is seeking to become the first city to stage both summer and winter games.

Population: 21 million.

Previous Olympics: 2008 Summer Games.

Previous winter bids: None.

Bid leader: Beijing Mayor Wang Anshun.

Number of venues: 6 existing and 3 planned.

Olympic Villages: 3.

Organizing committee budget: $1.558 billion.

Infrastructure budget: $1.511 billion (not including high-speed rail line between Beijing and mountain venues).

Public Support: 88 percent in Beijing; 92 percent in China (IOC poll results).

Proposed dates: Feb 4-20.

Slogan: "Joyful Rendezvous upon Pure Ice and Snow."

Pros: Experience of hosting 2008 Olympics; use of 2008 venues, including "Bird's Nest" and "Water Cube;" China's political and economic stability; familiarity with IOC members; seen as safe choice that can be counted on to deliver; potential of developing winter sports market to hundreds of millions of Chinese; strong campaign machine.

Cons: Lack of winter sports tradition, atmosphere and natural snow; heavy reliance on water supplies for artificial snow-making; long distances between Beijing and mountain venues; sense among some IOC members of "been-there-done-that" in Beijing; air pollution; human rights issues.

IOC evaluation report: "Beijing 2022 has offered a regional concept intended to develop a winter sports market for more than 300 million people in northern China."

Status: The city to beat.