BEIJING, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Beijing has made enormous efforts to ensure a "simple, safe and splendid" Winter Olympics, an official told Beijing Daily in a recent interview.
The Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (BOCOG) carries out multiple measures, including streamlining ceremonies, making full use of the 2008 Olympics venues for the Winter Games, and downsizing the venue operation teams, to reduce the cost of the upcoming Winter Olympics, said Guo Huaigang, head of BOCOG general administration department.
"In this way, we hope to hold a 'simple' Winter Olympics," Guo added.
COVID-19 prevention is the top priority in making the Winter Olympics "safe," Guo said, noting that the BOCOG has issued an "epidemic prevention booklet" and will take differentiated policies to ensure epidemic prevention in different venues.
Professional medical teams and helicopters are ready to provide timely rescue for competitors in snow sports, Guo said, adding that a trans-regional and trans-department security system will work during the Winter Olympics period.
The Beijing Winter Olympics is not only a feast of sports but culture as well. Chinese elements are shown in the design of emblem, mascot and torch design of the Winter Olympics, Guo said, and Olympic concepts will be integrated with more symbols of traditional Chinese culture, such as the Great Wall and the Spring Festival.
Sustainable development is also emphasized in the Winter Olympics, the official noted.
"For the first time in the history of Olympic Games, all the competition venues are powered by clean energy," Guo said, "we will strive to achieve carbon neutrality in the Winter Olympics."
The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics will take place between Feb. 4 and 20, followed by the Winter Paralympics from March 4 to 13. Enditem
