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Speakers:

Yan Cheng, executive director general of the Beijing 2022 Main Operation Center

Zhao Weidong, director general of the Media and Communications Department of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (BOCOG) and executive deputy director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee

Yang Jinkui, director general of the BOCOG Paralympic Games Integration Department

Yu Bo, chief of Yanqing district, Beijing

Zhao Wenfeng, mayor of the Zhangjiakou Municipal People's Government, Hebei province 

Chairperson:

Xing Huina, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and SCIO spokesperson

Date:

Dec. 3, 2021

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Xing Huina:

Good morning, friends from the media. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). Today, we have invited Mr. Yan Cheng, executive director general of the Beijing 2022 Main Operation Center; Mr. Zhao Weidong, director general of the Media and Communications Department of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (BOCOG) and executive deputy director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee; Mr. Yang Jinkui, director general of the BOCOG Paralympic Games Integration Department; Mr. Yu Bo, chief of Yanqing district of Beijing; and Mr. Zhao Wenfeng, mayor of the Zhangjiakou Municipal People's Government of Hebei province. They will brief you on the latest progress of the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games preparations and updates on the Yanqing and Zhangjiakou competition zones and then take your questions.

First, I'll give the floor to Mr. Yan Cheng.

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Yan Cheng:

Thank you. Good morning, friends from the media. Nice to see you. I would like to brief you on the latest progress of the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games preparations in the three competition zones of Beijing, Yanqing and Zhangjiakou.

At present, delivering a successful "Experience Beijing" testing program is a major task for the three competition zones. From Oct. 5 to the end of December this year, 10 international competitions, three training weeks and two domestic trials have been and will be organized in an orderly manner, with the aim of testing all elements of the Games.

Up to now, six events hosted by the Beijing competition zone including the Short Track Speed Skating World Cup, five events hosted by the Yanqing competition zone including the Luge World Cup, and the Ski and Snowboard Cross World Cup event hosted by the Zhangjiakou competition zone, have all successfully concluded. More than half of the events have finished. In December, the Zhangjiakou competition zone will also host three events: the Nordic Combined Continental Cup, Ski Jumping Continental Cup and biathlon international training week.

The test events which have ended all progressed well, achieving the set test goals and receiving positive comments from international sports organizations, athletes and global media.

The main features of the test program are as follows. 

First, the event management was in line with international standards. The test competition organizing committee and venue management team cooperated with individual international sports organizations to complete the competition registration, schedule planning, venue preparation, equipment preparation and other tasks in an orderly manner. All of the work aligned well with the competition rules and technical specifications of the Winter Olympics. The team fully seized the opportunity to gain experience in competition organization. With domestic technical officials as the main body along with international technical representatives and experts, the team jointly completed the whole process of competition preparation, operation, review and evaluation. The whole process of organizing a competition has been fully tested. From meeting the competition schedule and training schedule to the provision of complete services, the process went smoothly and in compliance with the Olympic rules. Kit McConnell, sports director of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), commented that the IOC has received unanimously positive feedback from athletes in the Beijing 2022 test series.

Second, technologies were introduced in the venues and facilities. The relevant test venues and facilities each have their own features, which all meet the technical standards required by the Winter Olympics and have employed a series of scientific and technological innovations. As the world's first Winter Olympic venue using carbon dioxide transcritical direct cooling ice making technology, the National Speed Skating Hall continued to improve its ice making skills and produced a high-quality ice surface. Some athletes achieved their career-best performances at the venue and called the "Ice Ribbon" the "fastest ice surface." The National Snowmobile and Sled Center features a long track with large slopes and numerous curves. Through technological innovation, the accuracy and temperature control problems of the track have been solved. For the first time, concrete for a 360-degree loop was applied in a single application. The center, dubbed the "Snow Dragon," meets the requirements for hosting competitions. As professional venues for the Winter Olympics sports, these stadiums also showcase China's scientific and technological strength.

Third, the staff were in position and venues and facilities in place, just as they will be for the upcoming Winter Games. Under the direct command of the leading group of the 24th Winter Olympic Games, the command system during the Games entered full operation. The Main Operation Center, serving as the central organization, played a leading role in coordinating all venues in the various competition areas. Directors of all venues shouldered responsibilities in resource allocation, event operation, service provision and emergency response, ensuring that 98% of the problems were resolved on the scene. The venue staff were all in position, worked together across different departments and fulfilled their roles in presenting the sports, providing technical support, TV broadcasting and in other areas, so as to test all elements for the Olympic Games. Cooperating with the venue staff, relevant local governments also carried out their tasks in epidemic prevention and control and assigning personnel.

Fourth, services were provided with a person-centered approach. Requirements were met in detail and high-quality services were provided in all aspects including clothing, food, accommodation and transportation of athletes and relevant personnel. For example, hotels during the test events sold licensed merchandise at reception and provided a variety of food and beverages including coffee. Athletes who celebrated their birthdays received wishes, which was heartwarming, and for another example, barrier-free facilities were optimized. During the World Wheelchair Curling Championship, carefully designed and barrier-free ramps were installed in venues to facilitate people with disabilities. The person-centered service was lauded by Kate Caithness, president of the World Curling Federation. 

Fifth, strict COVID-19 prevention and control measures were taken. Under the leadership of Beijing municipality and Hebei province, we implemented epidemic prevention and control measures during the test events while complying with the prevention requirements of each city. The BOCOG, IOC and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) jointly released the first playbook that outlines anti-COVID-19 measures, and consensus was reached among various stakeholders. In accordance with the requirements of "one test, one policy" and "one venue, one policy," every venue strictly implemented epidemic prevention plans and imposed prevention and control measures such as remote monitoring, vaccination, closed-loop management and nucleic acid testing in accordance with the epidemic prevention standards during the Winter Olympics. During the test events, the closed-loop management during the whole process meant that athletes and organizers were separated from the general public to protect everyone's health, which was recognized by all parties at home and abroad.

While the trials were held, preparatory work for the Winter Olympics continued to deepen. All 12 competition venues have been completed and ready for hosting competitions. For instance, the ice event venues have completed ice-making and track preparation work for the snow event venues are progressing smoothly. Meanwhile, the Winter Olympic Villages in the three competition zones are completed and newly decorated, illuminating floor lamps in the buildings one after another, and carrying out a series of full-process, full-factor and scenario-based operational stress tests. The operation teams of all competition and non-competition venues have been established, with personnel in place, ready to welcome the arrival of the Games. Accommodation, catering, transportation, medical care, security and other services are advancing in an orderly manner. Preparations for the torch relay and opening and closing ceremonies have been strengthened day-by-day, and publicity and promotion activities have continued to increase. It is worth mentioning that on Nov. 28, the BOCOG and the IOC co-launched a comprehensive drill entitled "One Day in Competition," triggering different emergency scenarios, conducting a comprehensive inspection of the Winter Olympics' command, dispatch and emergency response capabilities, and laying a solid foundation for the Games to be held on schedule, safely and smoothly.

Next, we will make effective responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, optimize the organization of the competition, improve the venues' operation mechanisms, ensure the service guarantee for the Games, and further strengthen the training and drills for the organizing personnel, as we sprint toward the finish line and strive to win the final victory in the preparation work. During this period, we welcome media friends and people from all walks of life to send us valuable opinions and suggestions.

We firmly believe that under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee and with the strong support of Chinese people, together with the international community, the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will be a resounding success, and we will present a streamlined, safe and splendid Games to the world.

Thank you!

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Xing Huina:

Thank you, Mr. Yan, for your introduction. Now everyone can start asking questions. Please state which news organization you are with before asking questions.

Beijing Youth Daily:

My questions are about meteorology. During some competition events, the quality, amount, and temperature of snow, as well as visibility and wind speed will all affect athletes and referees. Previously, the meteorological and environmental departments predicted that the weather and meteorological conditions would be more complicated and severe this winter and next spring. How will the BOCOG guarantee meteorological services? In addition, this is also the first time that the Winter Olympics will be held in a continental monsoon climate. Extreme weather may be more prone to occur during the turn of winter and spring. Do you have any ways of dealing with that? Thank you.

Zhao Weidong:

Thank you for your questions. Beijing 2022 will be the first Winter Olympics in the history to be hosted in a continental monsoon climate zone. Located at continental monsoon climate zone, Beijing and Zhangjiakou have a transitional season of winter and spring from February to March each year, and there are indeed extreme weather conditions such as low temperatures, strong winds and little snow, as well as sand and dust. Among them, strong winds may have an impact on the snow events. The mountainous terrain of Yanqing and Zhangjiakou, where the snow event venues are located, is more complicated. According to meteorological experts, the weather conditions in these two places are volatile, and it is indeed very difficult to forecast weather accurately. In despite of these challenges, we believe that as long as we do our best, respect science and trust experts, we will always have a way.

In order to guarantee meteorological services, we actually began arranging the related work very early. Four years ago, the China Meteorological Administration established the Winter Olympics Meteorological Center. The staff at the Winter Olympics Meteorological Center focused on two areas: one was the hardware construction of weather facilities, and the other was forecast services. They built two weather forecast radars and more than 50 weather tracking stations at Haituo Mountain in Beijing's Yanqing district, and at Kangbao County in Hebei's Zhangjiakou. The three-dimensional weather monitoring network they built is capable of capturing multiple factors within a second. This center has monitored and collected meteorological data for mountain racetracks for five consecutive years and compiled relevant meteorological reports and meteorological risk analysis assessments, which they've provided to the IOC, the Association of the International Olympic Winter Sports Federations (AIOWF), the Olympic committees of various countries (regions) and various stakeholders, providing relevant information such that everyone can prepare for meteorological risks in advance.

Meanwhile, the meteorological department also selected the best weather forecast service personnel in the country and formed a 52-person team for the Beijing Winter Olympics, equipped each snow venue and sliding venue with the best weather forecasters, and made it possible for them to get hands-on experience with winter sports events at home and abroad for the past four years. What's more, they have also been stationed at the Beijing Winter Olympics venues during the snowy season to carry out weather forecasting drills and further understand the weather conditions at the venues, as well as the weather's changing nature. Based on the current feedback from the meteorological department, the team's ability to accurately forecast the weather is improving year by year, and we should have full confidence in them. When the Games start, venue weather forecasters will maintain close communication with technical experts from the AIOWF to help make accurate judgments and any necessary adjustments to the events.

As the reporter just mentioned the possibility of extreme weather, the BOCOG is working with the IOC, relevant international winter sports federations and Olympic broadcasting companies to jointly study and compile an emergency agenda for the Beijing Winter Olympics. Once any extreme weather occurs during the Games, we will promptly start the management procedures for changing the competition schedule, make every effort to prepare for any emergency scenario and minimize the adverse effects of extreme weather on the Games.

All in all, the BOCOG will work with relevant departments to strengthen the meteorological service guarantees and ensure the smooth running of the Beijing Winter Olympic events. thanks.

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CNR:

China's winter sports industry started relatively late, and there is a lack of high-level organizational talent. I would like to know how the BOCOG promotes the development and nurturing of talent based on the needs of hosting competitions? Thank you.

Yan Cheng:

Let me answer your question. Thank you for your attention to the organizational talent recruitment for the Winter Olympics and Paralympics. Indeed, just as you said, the foundation of China's ice and snow sports is relatively weak, and there is a lack of high-level organizing talents. Since its establishment, the BOCOG has conscientiously studied and implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on the preparation of the Winter Olympics and the cultivation of talent, fully implemented the new ideas, new strategies and new measures for talent work in the new era, and focused on selecting and promoting talents with a global perspective, and exploiting the institutional advantages to cultivate talents in a systematic way, all while striving to attract talents from across the world and give play to their expertise. Next, I would introduce the following aspects:

First, we have strengthened the organizing teams by introducing 86 policies for talents and establishing and improving the mechanisms for talents development and management, such as selecting officials, recruiting staff, experts, and interns, in order to pool more talented people. Particularly, we have launched international recruitment and selected a number of foreign staff who worked for previous OCOGs and returnees from overseas study, which, to some extent, have improved the BOCOG's talents structure.

Second, we have developed and fostered professional talents with a focus on cultivating domestic talents through our own efforts. During the past six years, we have altogether cultivated more than 4,000 domestic technicians, 23,000 event service and support staff, and a large number of technicians in ice-making and resurfacing, snow-making and pressing, and so on. As for the shortage of a small number of talents, we have stepped up international exchange and cooperation, selected and recruited 40 foreign experts from 18 nations, and opened 400 jobs globally to employ foreign professionals. Thus, we have advanced the cultivation of domestic talents to some extent while undertaking the task of hosting events.

Third, we have made good use of talents through multiple measures. As the 2022 Winter Olympics enters the stage of event trail operation, we have emphasized that all kinds of talents should stay in their positions in venues. We have sent selected members from BOCOG to work in venues, and also employed a group of temporary staff from all sectors in host cities to participate in hosting the Games. Meanwhile, we have arranged volunteers and contractors to come to work on time. To date, all operating teams in competition and non-competition venues have been established, and the staff is ready in their positions. All kinds of talents will play their due roles in the venues. Thank you. 

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Cover News:

The influence of disability sports has extended far beyond the sports itself, which is the same as the sports for able-bodied people. In the 16th Paralympic Games, the Chinese delegation ranked first in the number of gold medals as well as the total medals for five consecutive events. The 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympic Games is approaching. What is the meaning of sports for people with disabilities? What effects does the preparation for the Winter Paralympics have on improving the condition for and developing the cause of people with disabilities? Thank you. 

Yang Jinkui:

I will answer this question. Thank you for your question and your concern for the development of disability sports. Sport has special meanings and important functions for people with disabilities. First, it helps in the rehabilitation, treatment, and building of strong bodies. People with disabilities take part in sports since their rehabilitation treatment, and they can improve their health condition and physical performance through exercise, which is beneficial to their recovery. 

Second, it helps them to break through limitations and overcoming obstacles. When playing sports, people with disabilities overcome their physical defects and physiological barriers with strong willpower, skills, and physical power, and thus display the creativity and value of humanity. 

Third, it helps them to embrace a wider world. The sports activities help people with disabilities go out of hospital wards and their houses to embrace a wider world so that they can connect with others, feel the warmth of society, rebuild confidence in life, and join in social activities like able-bodied people. 

Fourth, it helps them to influence and improve the society. People with disabilities demonstrate their ability by participating in sports activities. The spirit of unremitting self-improvement, optimism, and forging ahead influence and encourage society at large to better understand and care more about people with disabilities. Therefore, it helps to improve our civilization and build a more inclusive society. 

As for the second question, I believe that hosting the Beijing Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will help to improve the conditions and the development of the cause of people with disabilities in many aspects. 

In terms of policy, all kinds of policy documents released to host the Winter Paralympics will serve as references for making beneficial and helpful policies for people with disabilities. In terms of infrastructure, the venues and facilities upgraded for the Winter Olympics and Paralympics can serve people with disabilities after the games and act as an example for how to improve the accessible environment of our cities. In terms of sports, more people with disabilities can know about, love, and participate in winter Paralympic sports, which demonstrates the Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration, and equity, and advances the building of an inclusive society. In terms of cultivating talents through preparation work, China has systematically cultivated a number of internationalized professionals who are familiar with winter Paralympic sports, have gained a good command of games rules, and understand their operating mechanisms. That has laid a solid foundation for developing the winter Paralympic sports in an all-rounded way and to a higher level. In terms of cultural publicity, we should spread knowledge about the Winter Paralympics, arrange training about Paralympics knowledge and skills to help people with disabilities, organize volunteer services, and hold relevant cultural activities. In these ways, the public will know more about the Paralympic spirit and the principle of accessibility and inclusivity. They will care more about and give more support to rehabilitation, education, employment, health care, and social security of people with disabilities, which will greatly advance social progress.

In general, this Winter Paralympics will create a fine environment for people with disabilities to better participate in social activities. The legacies of the Winter Paralympics will push forward the improvement of the conditions for people with disabilities in a long-lasting way. We are confident of that. Thank you. 

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Russia Today:

I would like to ask about the details of the work for foreign journalists based in Beijing for the upcoming Olympic Games. In particular, I'd like to ask if the journalists who will work in the circled Olympic bubble will be able to move between Beijing, Yanqing, and Zhangjiakou, or whether they will need to stay only in one cluster. Also, I'd like to ask, will Beijing-based journalists be quarantined before and after Olympics, and if so for how many days? Thank you. 

Zhao Weidong:

I will answer this question. All registered journalists are concerned about this question. Actually, our first editions of COVID-19 playbook for the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics have clarified these questions. Specifically speaking, the registered journalists under the closed-loop management can move freely between Beijing, Yanqing, and Zhangjiakou. Considering the still severe and complex global pandemic, in order to prevent possible epidemic spread and ensure the health and safety of all participating parties, according to China's epidemic prevention and control experience and relevant requirements, we have researched meticulously with the IOC and the IPC and decided to install a closed-loop management system for all Games participants. On Oct. 25, we published the first editions of the Beijing 2022 Playbooks with the IOC and the IPC. The second edition will be released this month. All the efforts are to ensure that the Beijing Olympics be held under the safest conditions. 

The closed-loop management will not limit the free movement of any registered person inside the closed-loop. Registered participants can move freely inside the closed-loop area, traveling in dedicated vehicles between games venues and accommodation facilities and between the three competition zones of Beijing, Yanqing, and Zhangjiakou.

We will provide people registering for the Beijing Winter Olympics with two efficient means of transportation to travel fast between the three competition zones and between venues within the same competition zone. The following are major modes of transportation:

First is the Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed railway that connects three competition zones. Registered personnel will travel by railway free of charge across three competition zones during the Winter Olympics. The high-speed railway is designed to reach 350 km per hour. The journey between Beijing and Yanqing takes about 20 minutes. The travel time between Beijing and Zhangjiakou will be about 50 minutes. We will also increase its train frequency to provide sufficient transportation capacity to meet demands of various stakeholders during the Games.

The second is the shuttle bus service. We will offer inter-zone transport by shuttle buses and a 24-hour shuttle bus service between three competition zones to meet transportation demands of the press and other stakeholders beyond operating times of the high-speed railway. In addition, you may have noticed that we have marked new lanes on some roads in Beijing. Participants will use these special lanes to shorten travel time between destinations effectively.

Apart from these, you may also use a toll card to take taxis, satisfying personalized transportation demands within the closed-loop. These taxis will be used by drivers designated by the BOCOG and will only travel within the permitted areas and between venues on the list of destinations within the loop. This is my answer to your question regarding movement between the three competition zones.

While regarding your question about going out of the loop after the Games, there are two situations. On the one hand, for those inbound personnel who are registered for the Beijing Winter Olympics and to leave China immediately after the Games, the BOCOG will provide nucleic acid testing service and related certificate for international travel within 48 hours before their departure. Also, a dedicated team will assist them in completing health declaration procedures within 24 hours before their departure. On the other hand, those inbound personnel who will stay after the Games to work or live in China will be placed in centralized quarantine according to specific circumstances. They can only leave the loop after the quarantine is over. Experts will decide the periods of quarantine based on different workplace scenarios. Related information can be found in the playbook for COVID-19 countermeasures. To sum up, if people are to stay in China after going out of the closed-loop, we will require them to be quarantined for some time to ensure safety in terms of epidemic prevention. 

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Chosun Ilbo:

The playbook for COVID-19 countermeasures released in late October didn't contain specific provisions on the invitation to heads of state. All governments are paying much attention to this. Could you please give us some more information? Also, Chinese organizers made it clear that tickets for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics will be sold exclusively to spectators residing in the Chinese mainland who meet the requirements of COVID-19 countermeasures. Do you have any attendance restrictions, for example, the condition on the percentage of seating capacity? Thank you.

Zhao Weidong:

Let me answer your questions. First, the BOCOG has always upheld the concept of hosting the Games openly. Therefore, we welcome guests from all countries and all walks of life to engage in various forms of participation in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. Jointly, we will deliver an excellent, extraordinary, and outstanding Winter Olympic Games for the world.

Regarding invitations to global leaders, distinguished international guests attending the Winter Olympics and Paralympics refer to heads of state, heads of government, sports ministers from countries participating in the Games, and other important government officials attending the Winter Paralympics. These international dignitaries attend the Winter Olympics and Paralympics at the invitation of their respective national and regional Olympic and Paralympic committees, instead of the IOC and the Olympic organizing committee of the host country. The national and regional committees also submit registration applications for their dignitaries and pay for related fees. You may consult with respective national and regional Olympic committees for related information. 

The public has also paid much attention to the audience of the Winter Olympics. According to key COVID-19 countermeasures jointly released by the BOCOG, the IOC, and the IPC, on September 30, we made it clear that tickets will not be sold to spectators residing outside of the Chinese mainland. As for detailed anti-epidemic requirements for spectators living in China's mainland, as well as arrangements for ticket selling, all these are being studied and developed and will be unveiled in time once established. We are also maintaining close communication with the IOC and the IPC. We will adjust measures regarding audience participation and ticket selling according to the latest epidemic prevention and control situation. Thank you. 

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Southern Metropolis Daily:

The upcoming Winter Olympics has triggered increasing popularity for ice and snow tourism. So, my question is: How will Zhangjiakou integrate sports into the city and take the opportunity of the Winter Olympics to increase its influence?

Zhao Wenfeng:

I will answer this question. Thanks for your attention to Zhangjiakou. As we all know, with Beijing 2022 approaching, Zhangjiakou's ice and snow tourism brand is becoming more and more popular. In 2018, Zhangjiakou was listed as one of the top 10 ice and snow tourism cities in China. More specifically, Chongli District was rated a potential area for ice and snow tourism investment and was selected by the New York Times as one of the 52 global destinations worth visiting in 2019. Likewise, at the beginning of this year, Zhangjiakou was awarded the "2020 Chinese Winter Tourism City Case," and as recently as a few days ago, Taiwoo Resort Village was named the national sports tourism demonstration base. With the city's increasing popularity, more and more tourists are visiting Zhangjiakou to experience its winter scenery and realize their passion for ice and snow. During the 2020-2021 snow season, Zhangjiakou received 2.462 million tourists.

"The Olympic Games are brilliant because of the city, and the city is better because of the Olympic Games." Since successfully bidding for the Winter Olympics, ice and snow sports have gradually enjoyed a larger place in the public consciousness. With nine comprehensive ski resorts in the city, continuous improvements being made to relevant sporting facilities, an increasingly robust ice and snow sports education and training system, and the promotion and popularization of ice and snow sports in the city have achieved steady progress. Zhangjiakou has seen five million people participating in snow and ice sports so far, and the number is expected to reach 5.5 million by 2025. In terms of the ice and snow industry, we adhere to the notion that "ice and snow are also invaluable assets" to promote the development of the entirety of the ice and snow industry. At present, many world-famous ice and snow equipment manufacturers such as TechnoAlpin of Italy and MND of France have "settled" in Zhangjiakou and gone into operation. It is expected that by 2025, the city will introduce and cultivate more than 80 ice and snow equipment manufacturing enterprises.

In the post-Winter Olympics era, we will fully implement the plan to sustainably utilize the Winter Olympic legacy, seize the opportunity and take advantage of the situation.

First, promoting the sustainable utilization of venues and supporting facilities after the Games. We will study and formulate unique plans, clarify business operations, combine the utilization of venues after the Games with the overall development of the competition area, and maximize the advantages of transportation, location and facilities in Taizicheng area where the venues are located. We will also vigorously develop the economies of the event, exhibition and research, and build the core area of the Winter Olympic Games into an important base for sports, culture, science and technology, as well as business exchanges at home and abroad. We will ensure that the Olympic Games are wonderful and that the venues are functional, operable and sustainable after the Games. 

Second, speeding up the construction of the Beijing-Zhangjiakou sports cultural tourism belt. We will adhere to the driving strategy of sports, culture and tourism, formulate and implement the Construction Plan of Beijing–Zhangjiakou Sports Cultural Tourism Belt, accelerate the development of sports cultural tourism brand products, major projects and diversified business forms, and focus on building tourism products such as Chongli International Ice and Snow Tourism Resort, Yanhuai River Valley Grape Health Tourism Area and grass skyline leisure drive tourism area. We will also accelerate the construction of a sports cultural tourism industry chain that reflects the spirit of Zhangjiakou, and strive to build an international ice and snow sports and leisure tourism resort.

The third is to proactively improve the quality of the city of Zhangjiakou. Focusing on shaping the characteristics of a Winter Olympic city, we will build a number of urban infrastructure and public service facilities that meet international standards, construct a number of landmark urban architectural communities that reflect the Olympic cultural style and build a number of blocks with characteristics of an Olympic city. We will promote the leapfrog improvement of urban construction, management and service level, and build a Winter Olympic city brand with international influence. Thank you.

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Beijing Radio & Television Station:

As we know, Yanqing district has just completed the "Experience Beijing" series of winter events, including the FIL Luge International Training Week and the FIL Luge World Cup. The FIL Luge World Cup, in particular, was the first world-class luge event held in China. Please brief us on the overall situation of the test activities. In addition, how did Yanqing district organize the events and guarantee the services? Thank you.

Yu Bo:

I will answer this question. Thank you and thanks to the media for your attention to the FIL Luge International Training Week and the FIL Luge World Cup. Let me first introduce these test activities in general. From Nov. 4 to 22, the Yanqing competition area of Beijing 2022 hosted the FIL Luge International Training Week and the FIL Luge World Cup. A total of 280 Chinese and foreign athletes, as well as team officials from 27 countries and regions participated in the events. In accordance with Winter Olympic standards and the requirements of "ensuring that all those in need are tested," we carried out comprehensive tests of the competition organization, epidemic prevention and control, television broadcasting, external support and other work.

The FIL Luge World Cup held in Yanqing marks the International Luge Federation (FIL)'s 2021-2022 season opener. It is also the first time that China held a World Cup level luge event. It is an important leg, in which athletes can meet their quota for the luge event of Beijing 2022, and its program is exactly the same as the Winter Olympics. During the World Cup, the National Sliding Center welcomed 300 spectators to the scene, making it the first test that included an audience for the "Experience Beijing" series.

On the whole, the guarantee of venue facilities is in place, the competition organization is stable and orderly, the epidemic prevention and control is accurate and effective, and the competition service is meticulous and thoughtful. FIL president Einars Fogelis gave a thumbs-up to the venues that comprise the National Sliding Center and the events during the FIL Luge International Training Week. "It's an amazing venue, it's very great and a nice present for our sport," he said, adding "From the athletes' side, you provide all what's necessary for the athletes, for the training and for the officials in the highest level."

Let me introduce the event organization and service guarantee. First, the command system is streamlined and efficient. The Yanqing competition area organizing committee has a venue group command center, which coordinates and dispatches various headquarters such as the sled and luge venues, Banquan comprehensive service center, comprehensive service support, urban operation and peripheral service support, effectively connecting those support services across various fields such as accommodation, catering, transportation, medical treatment and epidemic prevention through the daily operation schedule, so as to achieve the high quality and efficiency of all work inside and outside the venue.

Second, we organized the competition in an orderly and stable manner. The venue operation team built a seamless joint mechanism with the FIL, through which face-to-face communication was conducted on a daily basis to address relevant issues and collect and respond to athletes' concerns and needs in a timely manner. The hardware facilities and ice surfaces at the venue was consistently improved to ensure success for the training and competition. As the event organization got increasingly smooth and athletes grew more familiar with the race tracks, their speeds increased, with a recorded top instantaneous speed of 135.1 km/h. Noticeably, China's athlete won qualification for the Luge World Cup for the first time, creating history. 

Third, we have devised targeted and effective anti-epidemic measures. We have built a three-tiered system for epidemic prevention and control, namely "inside the closed-loop, outside the closed-loop and periphery," and have accordingly installed quarantine facilities, posted anti-epidemic tips and plugged loopholes. We have ensured separated management of personnel throughout transportation, board and lodging, and competition. We adopted a "loop within loop" approach for close contacts of confirmed cases found during the test event to avoid cross-infection. 

Fourth, we have provided meticulous and considerate services. In terms of medical care at the competition venue, we have maintained close contact with the FIL and clarified rescue routes. A total of four ambulances were on standby and provided medical services for 51 athletes. It took an average of three minutes to arrive at the sites of rescue. The shortest time it took to complete preliminary bandaging, diagnosis and treatment was six minutes. In terms of catering services, to lower the risk of cross infection, we divided the catering area, and the number of support personnel we provided meals and beverages to was 90,507 person-times. In terms of transportation, we had shuttle services available from the hotel to the competition venue, and the number of trips made reached 1,986, transporting personnel totaling 18,551 person-times, among which 3,759 were for athletes. Under the joint efforts of various parties, athletes and all the other relevant parties were appreciative of the competition services. Thank you. 

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CRNTT:

Abundant snowfall is a foundation of the Winter Olympic Games. There have been reports that the snowfall in the host city of Beijing 2022 is relatively less, so successfully hosting the competitions largely depends on artificial snow. However, artificial snow may affect the environment as well as household water. How do you perceive this? How can Beijing 2022 achieve "snowfall freedom" in a scientific and green way? Thank you.

Yu Bo:

Thank you for your attention to the issue of snowfall. The National Alpine Ski Center began producing artificial snow on Nov. 15 and is estimated to complete snowmaking by the middle of next January. The Yanqing competition zone has adhered to the principles of storing water in multiple ways, recycling water, and conserving water with the aid of technology in a bid to meet the snowmaking water demands for the Games and avoid negative impacts on regional water safety and the ecological environment at the same time. Let me go into more details.

First, there are multiple ways of storing water. The National Alpine Ski Center preferred natural precipitation and overland runoff as its first choice of water resources for artificial snow production. Yanqing district boasts ample precipitation, and this year particularly, the accumulated amount of precipitation has reached 739.9 millimeters, which represents an increase of 231.6 millimeters compared to average annual amount over the past five years. Noticeably, the Yanqing competition zone had a snowfall of 19.5 millimeters, which was very heavy, on November 6 when Beijing welcomed its first snow this winter. Additionally, three reservoirs with a combined water-holding capacity of roughly 180,000 cubic meters have been built in the Yanqing competition zone to store surface water as much as possible for snowmaking and green conservation purposes. In addition to natural precipitation, the extra water required for snowmaking will be provided by Foyukou Reservoir and Baihepu Reservoir. According to our statistics, the amount of water required for the Games only accounts for 1.6 percent and 0.4 percent of the current water consumption of Yanqing district and its total amount of water resources respectively. Storing water in multiple ways has fully ensured the water needs of the National Alpine Ski Center for snowmaking.

Second, we adhere to the recycling use of water. The entire Yanqing competition zone has water-conservation measures in place which cover construction planning, engineering management and daily use. On the one hand, we designed measures for snowmelt to flow to a small reservoir through channels in the competition zone to be used for snowmaking during the next snow season and for daily green conservation. An internal recycling of snowmaking water is thus formed to conserve and protect water resources as much as possible. On the other hand, a sewage treatment station has been built in the competition zone as part of the municipal facilities for the Games. The reclaimed water will be used for road watering, greening, irrigation, toilet flushing and so on. These water recycling measures have significantly boosted the efficiency of water resource utilization.

Third, we adhere to technology-driven water conservation. The National Alpine Ski Center boasts the world's most advanced water-efficient snowmaking facilities and intelligent snowmaking system. Through real-time monitoring of the meteorological conditions, we are able to start the snowmakers under the most suitable conditions. Additionally, we can dynamically maintain the most ideal snowmaking efficiency in line with the external environment, so as to avoid any water resource waste. Thank you.

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Zhao Wenfeng:

I will introduce the situation in Zhangjiakou. It is an international practice that whatever the amount of snowfall in a host city of the Winter Olympic Games, all the competition fields for snow events are required to maintain snowfield conditions with the aid of artificial snow in a bid to provide equal competition conditions for all athletes.

Chongli district, where the Zhangjiakou competition zone is located, has a continental monsoon climate with the typical characteristics of a mountain climate. Due to its topography, the precipitation in Chongli is significantly greater than that of its surrounding areas. By various measures, such as collecting overland runoff and snowmelt, we have effectively guaranteed the water needs for snowmaking and achieved both sustainable use of water resources and ecological environment protection. Efforts are mainly demonstrated in the following three ways.

First, we recognize the importance of conserving ecological water. We have coordinated the preparations for the Games with the improvement of the local ecological environment, and vigorously conserved water sources. The forest coverage rate in Chongli district has reached 67 percent now from the 52 percent in the bid year of 2015. In the core competition zone, the forest coverage rate has surpassed 80 percent. Precipitations in the urban area of Chongli and the core zone for the Winter Olympic Games have increased from 458 millimeters and 677 millimeters to this year's 537 millimeters and 730 millimeters, respectively. At the beginning of November, Zhangjiakou welcomed heavy snow and the maximum snowfall in the Games' core zone reached 26 centimeters, providing favorable conditions for snow use during the Games.

Second, we have paid special attention to optimizing surface water use. The core area of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics boasts a well-preserved ecological environment and abundant surface runoff resources. We established 11 open reservoirs, underground collection pools for snowmelt and landscape lakes at the Genting Snow Park and in the Guyangshu area, which have a total storage capacity of 530,000 cubic meters. In the Guyangshu area specifically, daily dynamic replenishment of regional surface runoff has reached 13,000 cubic meters, and surface runoff, together with the current storage capacity, can fully meet the snowmaking needs. 

Third, we have paid special attention to scientific water conservation. Efficient water-saving artificial snow-making equipment and intelligent snow-making systems have been applied at both of the venues, which will maintain the best efficiency for snow-making according to dynamic changes in the external environment, saving about 20 percent of water resources. Likewise, we have made timely snow storage plans, including 72 snow storage spots, which are designed to store snow up to 288,000 cubic meters, further reducing the required water for snow-making. We have also paid attention to artificial snow enhancement. Professional teams have been organized to carry out timely artificial snow enhancement operations according to weather conditions and cloud systems, guaranteeing the need for snow in a comprehensive way and through multiple channels. Thank you. 

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MASTV:

I have a question about the pandemic. As cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 have been identified in many countries, will the latest pandemic situation have any impact on preparations for the Beijing Winter Olympics? Will you upgrade the current pandemic prevention and control measures? What kind of measures will the committee take to ensure safety and prevent the spread of the pandemic? Thank you. 

Zhao Weidong:

I will answer your questions. We are also paying close attention to relevant information about the Omicron variant, and monitoring and assessing its potential impact on the Beijing Winter Olympics. Relevant pandemic prevention and control measures stipulated in the Beijing 2022 Playbooks are based on rigorous and scientific assessments, which proved effective in ensuring safety and pandemic prevention and control during the recent test events. There can be no successful Olympic Games without the safety of epidemic prevention, so we have always made prevention and control work the top priority. During the Beijing Winter Olympics and the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, we will implement a series of comprehensive prevention and control measures to minimize the risk of imported cases, guarantee the health of all participants as well as residents of the host cities, and ensure the safe and smooth running of the Winter Games as scheduled. 

Pandemic control is key to the success of the Beijing Winter Olympics, and the Beijing 2022 Playbooks is the foundation of epidemic prevention and control. Together with the IOC and the IPC, we have published the first editions of the Playbooks. Not only all overseas participants but also relevant staff at home must strictly follow the guidelines detailed in the Playbooks. So I hope that our media friends pay more attention to the Playbooks, as they are an important foundation for our epidemic prevention and control efforts. Together with the IOC and the IPC, we will release the second version of the Playbooks this month. As for the second version, we continue to make the health and safety of all participants and the Chinese public our top priority, as well as strengthening far-end control, strictly implementing vaccination policies, carrying out strict entry inspections and adhering to the closed-loop system after entry. As I just mentioned, the closed-loop management does not keep people in one place. Rather, it covers all Games-related areas which are connected by special transportation modes. The closed-loop management system not only satisfies the needs of participants but also adequately separates them from the Chinese public. We implement closed-loop management strictly. At the same time, we adhere to normalized prevention and control measures throughout the closed-loop management process. 

We have also incorporated the prevention and control work of the Winter Games into the unified epidemic prevention and control systems of local governments. The epidemic prevention and control work of Games-related areas and related activities has been included in the unified epidemic prevention and control management of local authorities. We will spare no effort to ensure that epidemic prevention and control measures are followed, strengthen efficient coordination, conduct internal and external linkage, and perform respective functions to jointly implement prevention and control measures and ensure the safety of all participants and epidemic prevention and control on the domestic level.

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China Daily:

There are less than 100 days before the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games opens, and Paralympians from all over the world are looking forward to demonstrating their spirit of self-transcendence and hard work in Beijing, which, by the end of the Games, will have hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympics. What has the BOCOG done to organize a Paralympic Winter Games as successful as the Winter Olympics? Thank you. 

Yang Jinkui:

Let me answer your question. Thank you for your question. Since preparations began, the central government has attached great importance to the work that goes into the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, and asked to integrate the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games into the overall preparations for the Winter Olympics while synchronizing planning and implementation with a same level of professionalism. Specific measures are as follows: 

First, establish a plan for the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games. The plan clearly specifies work objectives, key strategic tasks and supporting measures. 

Second, establish a workflow for simultaneous planning and implementation of the Paralympics and Winter Olympics. All departments and posts organize the preparations of the two events simultaneously to ensure that the same systems are in place and the same standards are met, such that they can achieve synchronous preparations for the two events.  

Third, efforts have been made to improve inclusive and accessible environments. We also publicize the notion that the accessible environment should not only serve the disabled community but also those who are able-bodied. We have raised the awareness of the need for accessibility at both the Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games, and established and improved the coordination mechanism for providing accessibility, released a guidebook on accessibility and technical indicators for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, and organized regular venue surveys, inspections and guidance. Currently, barrier-free facilities for the Winter Paralympic Games venues and athletes' villages were completed at the same time as the main part of the venues. The barrier-free flow of main customer groups is clear and smooth, the construction of permanent barrier-free facilities meets all standards, goals of sustainable and humanized construction are clear, and the barrier-free environment of the host cities has been optimized and upgraded.  

Fourth, efforts have been made to improve the experience for disabled groups. We have raised and promoted the implementation of key tasks involved in 57 operational areas that address those with special needs. For example, providing accessible vehicles and having contracted hotels offer a portion of accessible rooms or wheelchair-friendly rooms. During the Winter Paralympic Games, there will be news conferences with sign language services and braille publications, barrier-free security channels, special medical and health services, special medicine and devices, maintenance services for wheelchairs and prostheses, and service manuals for our disabled attendees and participants will be provided. We will also strengthen personnel training to provide high-level services for customers with disabilities.  

Fifth, we have strengthened cultural promotion and public awareness. We have compiled the "Knowledge of Winter Paralympic Games Competitive Events," and launched six short videos introducing different events of the Winter Paralympics. We have implemented the "Excellence Program" of the IPC, organized preparation training for the Paralympic Games, and released the emblem, mascot, slogan, torch, medals, sports pictograms, clothing, commemorative coins, songs and other cultural products of the Winter Paralympics. We have carried out extensive training on Paralympic concepts, accessibility awareness and skills that can help persons with disabilities. We have endeavored to raise public awareness about the Olympic and the Paralympic spirit and values. On important occasions including the one-year countdown and the 100-day countdown to the Winter Paralympics, International Day of Persons with Disabilities and National Day for Helping the Disabled, we hosted activities and shared comprehensive and in-depth displays and reports on the various stages of preparation, effectively highlighting the Paralympic spirit and inspiring the whole of society to pay attention to, and support the Winter Paralympics. 

Through these efforts, we have streamlined the planning and design, facility construction, venue operation, competition organization, service guarantee, cultural promotion, market development, publicity, talent cultivation, heritage arrangements and other aspects of the preparatory work. This has provided fertile conditions for realizing the goal of " Two Games, Equal Splendor." Thank you.  

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Reuters:

Could you please talk more about the medical service facilities and staff numbers for the Beijing Winter Olympics. For example, are there any operating rooms in the closed-loop that can handle accidental injuries? Are there any facilities for athletes to exercise if they are quarantined due to the pandemic? Thank you. 

Zhao Weidong:  

I'll answer your question. In the closed-loop, there are corresponding hospitals to deal with COVID-19 cases and accidental injuries. These hospitals are under strict pandemic prevention management and contain dedicated areas for Olympics-related patients, who will be completely separated from other patients. In July of this year, the BOCOG, together with the Beijing Municipal Health Commission and Hebei Provincial Health Commission, assessed the medical and health preparations of the designated hospitals for the Beijing Winter Olympics. This August, the health commissions of Beijing and Hebei adjusted the tasks and number of beds, while also assembling a team of experts in the infection-control departments to modify the routes for patient reception and treatment in the designated hospitals. To that end, full preparations have been made for medical services and epidemic prevention in the closed-loop. Thank you. 

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Shangyou News:

A large number of people have been working at the venues to make sure the Games run smoothly, following a short window of preparation time, which poses challenges to their professionalism and ability to run the Games. How has the BOCOG conducted pre-Games training? Thank you.  

Yan Cheng:

Thank you. I'll answer this question. The BOCOG recognizes the importance of adequate training. Upon its establishment, the BOCOG made a series of top-level designs regarding the training work and provided training while building the organizer teams. We have established a tiered system of general training, specialized training, and training on venues and specific posts, with international training at the core. We have coordinated 568 training programs for a total of 57,000 person times, covering people including salaried employees of the Organizing Committee, staff from relevant government departments who are responsible for executing services, as well as volunteers from universities and colleges, personnel from various social sectors, contractors and venue owners.

Since the beginning of this year, we have established comprehensive training for general venue staff and those working in specific posts, which is based on the various stages of hosting the Games, and focused on improving the organizers' professionalism and abilities to run the Games. We have made efforts in the following main aspects:  

First, we conducted extensive international training. Relying on the "Beijing 2022 Learning Strategy" jointly implemented by the BOCOG and the IOC, as well as the "Excellence Program" co-conducted by the BOCOG and the IPC, we have launched targeted learning and training programs to improve the organizers' awareness of the Games' rules and their capabilities of running the Games. For example, since October, we have customized 10 courses for the director-level leadership of the competition venues, and another eight courses for non-competition venues, covering a total of 367 participants. The customized courses were co-designed with the IOC and the IPC, to improve the abilities and competence of participating directors. Moreover, from November to December, we offered 29 preparedness courses for the Winter Olympics and 41 similar courses for the Winter Paralympics to 3,883 participants. These examples demonstrate our firm grasp of the characteristics that underpin international training to meet the needs of hosting such a global winter multi-sport event.  

Second, we have proactively trained staff at venues and specific posts, which is doubtlessly an integral feature and requirement of the pre-Games stage. Following the guidelines and implementation arrangements of such training, the BOCOG has coordinated and launched 91 training projects in fields such as competition organization, venue operation, infrastructure and personnel management. To date, we have completed 65 projects, covering more than 4,500 people in charge of key operations of the venues. In line with training organized by the BOCOG, teams across multiple venues have carried out their own extensive training. They have focused on application scenario training and simulation exercises and provided multi-level and multi-domain training for their organizers. A total of 231 training programs have been organized, including the ice-making training at the National Speed Skating Oval (known as the Ice Ribbon), barrier-free training at the Ice Cube, and pandemic prevention training at the National Sleigh and Luge Center. These efforts have effectively closed any outstanding loopholes and enabled organizers to master the knowledge and skills, through hands-on experience, necessary to execute their duties in a short period of time.  

Third, we have continued to strengthen specialized training across the board. Since the second half of this year, we have offered 117 specialized training programs in areas such as power supply, timing and scoring, and medical services. We have advanced specialized training for different kinds of personnel in various industries, including domestic technical officials, ice makers, snowcat drivers, and ski lift ropeway operators. Our basic principle is to offer targeted and specialized training that reinforces any area of weakness. All kinds of professional personnel and workers have had the chance to hone their skills and grow into their roles through training and practice. The test events also examined the training effects on various types of workers.  

At the same time, business training for venue directors, language training for venue staff, and other general training projects of various kinds are also underway in a coordinated manner. All our organizers are making every effort to fully ready themselves for the Winter Olympics. Thank you.

Xing Huina:  

Due to time constraints, today's briefing is hereby concluded. Thank you to all our speakers and friends from the media. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Wang Qian, Wang Yiming, Li Huiru, Zhang Rui, Liu Jianing, Liu Qiang, Li Xiao, Wang Yanfang, Xiang Bin, Zhou Jing, Qin Qi, Yuan Fang, Yang Xi, Liu Sitong, Xu Xiaoxuan, Zhang Junmian, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, Tom Arnstein and Drew Pittock. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.