Beijing 2022 Builds on 2008 Legacy

The Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 are being staged in the first city to host both the Summer and Winter editions of the Olympic Games, and have capitalised on the legacy created by the Olympic Games Beijing 2008, already delivering wide-ranging benefits to the host regions.

The Olympic Games in 2008 promoted the Olympic values, boosting volunteerism and developing talents.

Five of the Beijing 2008 venues have been re-used for the Winter Games, while Beijing 2022’s ambitious plan to engage 300 million people in China in winter sports was surpassed even before the Opening Ceremony.

“Legacy is about creating lasting benefits for people,” said Marie Sallois, IOC Director for Sustainability, at a media briefing dedicated to the legacy of the Games. “Beijing 2022 has launched the largest initiative in Olympic history to engage roughly 350 million Chinese people in winter sport, creating health and social benefits in China, but also creating a very important global market for winter sports.”

“According to the latest Statistical Survey on Engaging 300 Million People in Winter Sports issued by the National Bureau of Statistics, between 2015, when Beijing was elected the host city for the Olympic Winter Games, and October 2021, 346 million Chinese have taken part in winter sports, which is equivalent to 24.56 per cent of the total population,” said Liu Yumin, Beijing 2022 Director of the Venue Planning and Construction Department, also speaking at the briefing. “I am very happy to witness millions of people embracing winter sports in China, and gaining health and happiness.”

A series of case studies, released today by Beijing 2022, highlights some of the key legacies created by these Games.

One of them describes the story of farmers in Yanqing, and their journey to become skiing coaches. Another showcases the rapid growth of the Beijing Youth Ice Hockey League, reflecting the growth in popularity of ice hockey, which has become one of the most popular youth ice and snow sports in Beijing. A third case study focuses on the seven editions of the National Public Ice and Snow Season, which has become the largest public winter sports event in China.

Beijing 2022 has been an accelerator for integrated socio-economic development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region, reducing the gap between urban and rural areas.

Zhangjiakou is on its way to becoming the most popular snow resort in China. The growth of the winter sports industry accelerated by the Games has already helped reduce poverty in the region. Yanqing has become a year-long sports and cultural destination, contributing to the growth of income per capita. In Beijing, a former industrial area, the Shougang Park, has been renovated and turned into a vibrant community with modern sports, business and leisure facilities.

Beijing 2022 has also put a spotlight on sustainability in China, showcasing solutions such as renewable energy and environmentally friendly CO2 refrigerants, and creating a model of sports venues that are multipurpose and can be used by diverse audiences throughout the year.

The Beijing Olympic City Development Association, or BODA, which is the legacy entity of Beijing 2008, will continue to further develop the legacy of Beijing 2022 after the Games.