Beijing's advantages presented to IOC as visit begins

Beijing 2022 began on Tuesday the first of a five-day schedule of venues visits and presentations for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission with a pledge to show the IOC Evaluation Commission members a "Beijing that they would not expect."

With many Evaluation Commission members familiar with the city following a spectacular Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the day will include an overview of the strong Olympic legacy, modern infrastructure and proven reliability the city offers today.

An opening ceremony was held Tuesday morning to mark the official start of the visit, with the Beijing 2022 delegation led by Chinese vice premier Liu Yandong, and including athletes and senior Beijing 2022 Bid officials.

Liu Yandong delivered the opening remarks by pledging the full support of the Chinese government towards the Beijing 2022 Bid. "We will honor our commitment made in the Candidature File and provide solid financial and legal guarantee in hosting the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games," said Liu.

Wang Anshun, Mayor of Beijing and President of the Beijing 2022 Bid Committee, said: "Beijing 2022 is capable and confident of staging a most memorable and joyful rendezvous that will fully embody the spirit of the Olympic Agenda 2020."

Alexander Zhukov, Chairman of the IOC Evaluation Commission for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games, said during a speech at the opening ceremony, "The success of the last Evaluation Commission visit in 2001 and the 2008 Olympic Games which followed are well known. But some years have passed since the last visit. Not only has this city developed dramatically in that time but so too has the Olympic Movement."

"We are glad to note that you [Beijing 2022] have already incorporated some of the Olympic Agenda 2020 reforms into your Games concept. You have maximized the use of existing world-class sports venues; you have taken advantage of your experience of hosting major international events; and you have identified clear legacy goals," he added.

The opening ceremony signalled the start of 14 presentations that will cover all aspects of the Beijing 2022 Bid over the next days.

The members of the IOC Evaluation Commission were presented Tuesday morning with details of Beijing 2022's overarching vision and plans for legacy and engagement; sustainability; overall Games concept; organization of the Olympic Villages, and an overview of the proposed venues in Beijing.

During the afternoon, the IOC Evaluation Commission will visit all proposed venues and sites in the Beijing cluster. Five venues are a direct legacy from the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games and all are existing and successfully operating today. At each venue, they will hear detailed presentations about plans for Games and post-Games use for each.