Beijing's officials are looking forward to the hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics. (Photo : Reuters)
China launched the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, also known as Beijing 2022, on Tuesday, promising a "fantastic, extraordinary and excellent" Games, according to a report by Xinhua.
Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli spoke at the launch ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, saying that "to host a successful Winter Games is China's solemn commitment to the Olympic Family" and "an important move to push for the coordinated development" of Beijing and its neighboring cities.
China plans to create a new economic belt and environmentally friendly area incorporating Hebei and Tianjin.
Zhang said that leaders have attached great importance to the preparation for the upcoming Games.
President Xi Jinping has stressed that organizers must "work harder to host a fantastic, extraordinary and excellent Games."
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on July 31 that Beijing would host the 2022 Winter Olympics. This marks the first time that a city will have hosted both the Summer Olympics and the Winter Olympics, after Beijing hosted the former in 2008.
Beijing 2022 President Guo Jinlong said that organizers will study the Host City Contract (HCC) and the Olympic Agenda 2020 before they draft a detailed agenda.
"We will pore over the HCC and the Olympic Agenda 2020, and review our bid commitments before we work out the roadmap and timetable," said Guo. "We shall ensure every task is accomplished."
Guo added that preparation for the Olympics and Paralympics would be given equal importance.
As second-time Olympic organizers, Beijing has the advantage of reusing infrastructure originally built for Beijing 2008, like the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube.
Eight venues will also be set up in Zhangjiakou, with a high-speed railway connecting the two cities.
Beijing will also employ a group of experienced staff carried over from Beijing 2008.
