The First Anniversary Celebration of Beijing 2022 commenced with a grand launching ceremony held at the Shougang Ice Hockey Arena on February 4. The event was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Yin Li, Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Beijing Municipal Committee, Gao Zhidan, Director of China's General Administration of Sport and President of Chinese Olympic Committee, Yin Yong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee and Mayor of Beijing, and Wang Zhengpu, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Hebei Provincial Committee and Governor of the Hebei Provincial People's Government, attended and declared the opening. President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach delivered a video message.
In his speech, Yin highlighted the significant role played by the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee and the unswerving support of the Chinese people, both at home and abroad. With these, Beijing and Zhangjiakou in Hebei Province presented a streamlined, safe and splendid Games to the world, and Beijing thus became the world's first and only "dual Olympic city". Yin also outlined plans for the post-Games era following the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping, which include the effective utilization of venues, such as the National Speed Skating Oval and the Big Air Shougang, to become popular new landmarks for citizens and tourists. The goal is to encourage a boom in ice and snow sports among the people, making it a new popular trend for them. We will tap into the cultural resources of the Games to foster citizens' appreciation of fine culture. The Beijing-Zhangjiakou Sports Culture and Tourism Belt is also a key area of focus, with regional cooperation being pushed to a new level to expedite its construction. The legacy of Beijing 2022 is a powerful engine for the development of the capital in the new era. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we will study and implement the guidelines set by the Party at its 20th National Congress to carry forward the spirit of the Games. Leveraging the distinctive strengths of the "dual Olympic city", we will adhere to openness and innovation, deepen international exchanges and cooperation, and promote the development of the capital in the new era, in an effort to build Beijing into a world-class city that is harmonious and livable.
Mr. Bach said that one year ago, the Chinese people displayed genuine affection for the Olympics, which was truly inspiring. The athletes felt this and touched the hearts of so many people with outstanding performances. The truly exceptional Games are the most digitally engaged Olympic Winter Games in history. Thus, Beijing became the first city in Olympic history to have hosted both the summer and winter editions of the Olympic Games. The Beijing Olympic Winter Games opened a new era for winter sports globally – driven by the enthusiasm of over 300 million Chinese people who are now engaged in sport on snow and ice. The legacy of the Games is already tangible. The openly accessible venues, the new examples set in innovative green technologies, the spread of healthy and active lifestyles, and development of the winter sports industry, have jointly laid a solid foundation for the future. His thanks and appreciation goes to all those who have made extraordinary efforts and dedication. Just like the athletes, the Olympic community in China has demonstrated the new Olympic motto at its best: Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together.
The celebration, themed "Extraordinary Beijing 2022, Together for a Shared Future", took place in the three competition zones in Beijing and Zhangjiakou from February to March. It featured various events, such as the "Splendid Winter Olympics" exhibition and a winter sports carnival, a market fair focusing on "Olympic Culture", a one-year anniversary celebration of the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, and a series of Olympic education activities for primary and secondary school students in Beijing under the theme "Future-Oriented Ice and Snow Sports". The launching ceremony showcased the spirit of Beijing 2022 through memorable moments of the Games and its preparations using video clips, vision shows, songs, and interviews with the Games' contributors and the champions. Furthermore, it painted a bright picture of the "dual Olympic city" and unveiled the new logo of the Beijing Olympic Museum.
Leaders from the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF), Beijing Municipal Government, Hebei Provincial Government, Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games, and Beijing Olympic City Development Association (BODA), as well as diplomatic envoys from various countries, attended the ceremony.
(Written by: Liu Feifei, Fan Junsheng Photos by: Dai Bing, Cai Daizheng)
