“We should deliver a fantastic, extraordinary and excellent Olympics in 2022 with a green, inclusive, open and clean approach.”
Excerpts from Xi’s speech when inspecting preparatory work for the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics on January 20, 2021
The steady progress of preparations for the 2022 Winter Olympics can be attributed not only to the tireless work of thousands of staff, but also to the many people who are part of China’s Olympic inspection teams. These teams have ensured discipline within Olympic organizations and also promoted projects aimed at making the Games “as pure as snow.”
Since 2019, an inspection team has been responsible for supervision of preparations in the Yanqing competition zones in suburban Beijing, including COVID-19 prevention and control, project bidding, the work of personnel, and supporting services for the competitions. Their supervisory role has ensured the efficient operation of these preparations. In Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, inspection teams have kept a close eye on expenditure and engineering work. Major focus has been laid on the progress of projects, safety, cost control, procurement, major changes of design and finance.
The inspection helped ensure the 2022 Games is corruption-free. The Water Cube has been transformed into the Ice Cube, and the Shougang Industrial Park, which used to be a steel plant, has been transformed into the headquarters of the Beijing Organizing Committee, as well as an Olympic training base for winter sports. The inspection authorities have made efforts to make full use of existing venues and facilities to cut the cost of the Games.
The sports authorities have also carried out inspection on the selection of athletes. Regulations have been formulated to encourage coaches to maintain transparency and encourage athletes to maintain integrity in training. Management staff have also been encouraged to take responsibility for the conduct of those they manage.
Many Chinese athletes have voiced their support for holding a pure and corruptionfree Olympic Games, with many making public declarations.
(Source: China Insight)
