Photo shows a construction worker taking photos at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 28, 2021. The ice-making work at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, also known as the "Ice Ribbon", was completed, meaning the iconic venue for the 2022 Winter Olympics is now ready for test competitions. Photo:China News Service

 

  

China vowed on Wednesday to make the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics a concise, safe and spectacular event together with the international community, despite the COVID-19 pandemic still ravaging around the globe.

Ambassador Chen Xu, China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva, made the remarks at a panel discussion on promoting human rights through sports and the Olympic ideal at the 47th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

The Olympic Spirit transcends national boundaries and is deeply rooted in the hearts of people all over the world. It will push all countries to strengthen unity and work together to deal with global challenges, Chen said.

The event will be a grand one for the international community, a stage for fair competition for athletes from all over the world, and an eagerly expected event for young winter Olympic sports fans, Chen said.

China has always been determined in the implementation of a strategy for national fitness to improve people's health, Chen said, noting that Chinese youth will actively participate in the work of the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics by participating in competitions and serving as volunteers, thereby contributing to the success of this grand event. 

Chinese youth will also actively participate in the Olympics to achieve their own comprehensive development, promote exchanges and cooperation between people of all countries, especially young people, and make greater contributions to the cause of human progress, 

Representatives of Russia, Venezuela, Nepal and other countries welcomed China's hosting of the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics in 2022 at the panel discussion, saying that they believe this would become a grand event for all countries to participate in. 

They opposed the politicization of sports by some countries. 

The representative of Venezuela pointed out that Beijing, as the only city in the world to host both Summer and Winter Olympics, has made a unique contribution to the international Olympics.

Global Times