IOC, IPC, Beijing 2022 organizers reach multiple consensus after virtual project review

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BEIJING, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- The virtual International Olympic Committee (IOC) - International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Project Review for Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games concluded on Friday with consensus reached in multiple areas between the IOC, the IPC and local organizers BOCOG.

The two-day meeting, co-hosted by BOCOG executive vice president Zhang Jiandong and IOC Coordination Commission chair Juan Antonio Samaranch, was the first project review since the COVID-19 outbreak. During the conference, local organizers had sincere and fruitful discussions with experts from the IOC and IPC over various topics, including transportation, catering, marketing, publicity and the Olympic Village and the Paralympic Winter Games.

"After the outbreak of COVID-19 earlier this year, closely collaborating with IOC and IPC, Beijing 2022 not only prioritized the prevention and control of the pandemic, but also focused on Games preparations. We strive to overcome various difficulties and has made solid progress. In the coming days, facing the new situation and challenges, cooperation among all parties will be even strengthened, thus to lay a solid foundation for the successful Beijing 2022," vowed Zhang.

Earlier this month, the National Sliding Center, which will host the bobsleigh, skeleton and luge competitions during Beijing 2022, went through successful pre-homologation test runs and delegations from four International Federations conducted an inspection tour in eight other venues.

"With venues set to be completed by the end of this year, plus plans for one year to go activities developing, excitement is really beginning to build," said Samaranch, who lauded the conference as "productive" as Beijing 2022 is about to enter a crucial phase.

The IOC Coordination Commission chair also pointed out challenges ahead and called for joint efforts from all parties for a successful Games.

"There will be challenges ahead, however, which is why, through, for example, the COVID-19 countermeasure working group, we are fully preparing for all eventualities. To achieve this, the experience and expertise within the local organizing committee, the support from the Chinese and Beijing governments and the close collaboration between all Olympic and Paralympic Movement stakeholders will ensure we are stronger together. This will be vital to delivering outstanding Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing in 2022," he noted.

IPC President Andrew Parsons also acknowledges the efforts by the BOCOG and expressed confidence that the Games will help push forward the rights of persons with disabilities in China.

"Having set Beijing 2022 the target of taking the Paralympic Winter Games to the next level, they continue to make strong progress despite the unprecedented challenges they face as an organizing committee.

"Working with our counterparts at the IOC, we hope to continue close collaboration with Beijing 2022 as they tackle a complex final full year before the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2022. The Games in Beijing offer immense potential and will do much to advance the rights of persons with disabilities in China," he said. Enditem

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