(ECNS) -- With Beijing set to host the 2022 Winter Games, the city has decided to include ice and snow sports as required courses for students in primary and secondary schools.
Sun Xuecai, director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports, said as the capital promotes development of ice and snow sports, primary and secondary school students will be guaranteed one hour of related exercise per week. The program is designed for each student to master at least one discipline.
Beijing's ski runs are mainly located in its suburbs, but new skating rinks are planned in the central area. By 2022, it will have 16 new indoor and 50 outdoor skating rinks, said Sun, adding that the number doesn't include private facilities.
The sports bureau in Beijing's Chaoyang District has acquired three mobile ice arenas that will be used in schools. Fangshan and Mentougou districts are also organizing events such as inviting professional athletes to instruct students.
As another incentive in developing ice and snow sports, students are exempt from fees for participating in ice hockey matches across Beijing.
