China has been selected to host the Winter Olympic Games in 2022.
The Chinese president, Xi Jinping, made a last minute vow to “present to the world, a fantastic, extraordinary and excellent Olympic Winter Games in Beijing”.
Beijing’s bid committee made a statement after the win:
“We are honoured and humbled by the International Olympic Committee’s decision to award Beijing the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games,” Beijing’s bid committee said in a statement. “It is with an incredible sense of excitement that we express our thanks to the IOC and the wider Olympic movement. Just as with the Beijing 2008 Summer Games, the Olympic family has put its faith in Beijing again to deliver the athlete-centred, sustainable and economical Games we have promised.“This will be a memorable event at the foot of the Great Wall for the whole Olympic family, the athletes and the spectators that will further enhance the tremendous potential to grow winter sports in our country, in Asia and around the world. We would like to congratulate Almaty 2022 for their campaign. We wish to thank once again all the Chinese people and people around the world who have supported Beijing 2022 in this extraordinary bid journey.”
This makes the Chinese capital the first ever to hold both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
via The Guardian
Image: Olivia Harris via Getty Images
Image: Olivia Harris via Getty Images
