Hebei fanns winter sports passion in China

Following the revelation of the emblem for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, China's 4th National Winter Sports Season has kicked off in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province.

The opening ceremony for China's 4th National Winter Sports Season is held at the Olympic Center in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province on December 16, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua/Mu Yu]

As one of the hosts for the Winter Games, Hebei has become one of China's front runners in winter sports.

As people's passion for winter sports grew after Beijing and Hebei jointly won the bid for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, Hebei has already successfully hosted a series of events that boosted winter sports within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area.

This season, Hebei has been frequented by the International Ski Federation. Its Chongli Resort, which will stage the 2022 Olympic ski competitions, has staged several ski World Cups.

Li Dongqi, deputy chief of Hebei's sports bureau, says through these international competitions, they are trying to promote winter sports nationwide.

"Hosting these competitions will help us gain experience for the Winter Olympic Games. It gives Chinese athletes a chance to get accustomed to attending top international events, so they can grow fast. And it brings winter sports to people's doorsteps so more people will come to watch and play," Li said.

China's winter sports authorities have planned to promote winter sports across the country.

Ding Dong, deputy chief of the winter sports management at China's National Sports Bureau, says they are now specifically focusing on the eastern regions.

"We want winter sports to flourish across China, especially in the eastern coastal areas that are better developed. These areas are also doing very well in summer sports, so we want them to have a stronger presence in winter sports as well," Ding said.

To make that happen, Ding says they will have to do their part, while people from all walks of live are encouraged to participate.

"The most important thing for us is to lower the threshold to participate in these sports. We have kept an open mind, to tear down walls that prevent social forces from participating in winter sports. I have heard many companies are interested in doing that, and a lot of young people are interested in volunteering for the 2022 Games. These are good signs," Ding said.

More than a dozen cities and provinces have joined Hebei's initiative and will soon get their own winter sports season underway. Even more provinces will be participating in the International Snow Day activities next month.