Dandan Man of China competes in the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics (Photo : Getty Images)
China and Finland have been intensifying cooperation in preparation for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing and Zhangjiakou.
More Finnish ice hockey coaches and players are sharing their experience with Chinese partners.
Perry, a coach with Finnish Ice Hockey Association, said that there is great potential for ice hockey in China and that more citizens would play the sport after the facilities under construction are completed.
Aside from ice hockey, the curling clubs of both countries also organized more friendship games.
The coming Winter Olympics also serves as a platform for both nations to communicate on winter sports and share resources.
The Finnish clothing brand has become the official apparel and equipment supplier for China's skiing team.
Meanwhile, the ski resort located in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, the co-host for the 2022 Winter Olympics, is being designed by the Architecture Association of Finland.
Since China also wanted a more green and environment-friendly event for the 2022 Olympics, Finland is also providing technical support pollution treatment, clean-energy technology and green development.
These deals furthered China-Finland communication and cooperation in winter sports.
Cross-country skier Man Dandan claimed the first gold medal for China recently concluded Asian Winter Games hosted by Japan due to the guidance of her Finnish coach Mikko Olavi Virtanen.
The scientific training plan designed by Virtanen contributed to the progress of Chinese team that resulted in one gold, two silver and two bronze medals in the games.
Liu Chengliang, deputy director of China's Winter Sports Management, said that China is getting ready for the 2022 Winter Olympics by participating in the Asian Winter Games this year and in the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Games.
Furthermore, a Finnish skiing school also signed a long-term cooperation and training agreement with China's cross-country skiing team.
The sports bond between the two countries dates back in 1952 when China participated in 15th Summer Olympics hosted by Finland's capital city, Helsinki.
In 2010, a Memorandum of Understanding both countries listed winter sports as a priority.
