Presidents of international federations of winter sports said on Friday that they saw more and more Chinese are involved in winter sports, after visiting venues of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games and Olympic Community in Beijing.
"I felt that not just athletes, but the ordinary people began to understand the value of Olympic and are more and more involved in winter sports, especially children and the aged people," said Ivo Ferriani, the President of the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation.
"We also saw the iconic tracks in Yanqing district, they were built in the highest level. After the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, it will be used not only for training, but also for leisure, becoming part of the Olympic legacy," he added.
Jan Dijkema, the President of the International Skating Union, mentioned some Chinese World Cup winners in speed skating and figure skating this season, such as Ning Zhongyan and Sui Wenjing/Han Cong.
"Gold medalists and Olympic champions will draw attention and inspire a lot of young people. It is very important to get children to learn about Olympic and winter sports. After all, Olympic value is not about winning or losing, is all about popularity," he said.
