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when China won the right to host the 2008 Olympics. I saw people in Beijing celebrating this achievement in the streets,” he said.
In 2008, when he was a university student in Beijing, Huang worked as a volunteer at the Summer Games. He has been involved with volunteer service ever since and said the 2008 Games changed the course of his life.
Zhang Xiaodan, who helped design Olympic venues used in 2008 after he had just graduated from college, is working as deputy competition service manager at the National Speed Skating Oval during the Winter Games.
“Few international sporting events were held in China before 2008, but in the past decade, the nation has hosted many, creating increased demand for related talent. Lots of young people who worked for the 2008 Games are now leaders in different sectors,” he said.
During the Winter Games, a new group of young volunteers will start their learning process, which may point the way to their futures.
According to the municipal government, up to 200,000 volunteers will work at the Games, starting from Jan 25. They will help provide information, language services, emergency aid, and support for people with disabilities.
Li Jian, deputy head of the volunteer headquarters, said at a news conference that the workers have received professional training, and that authorities will ensure their safety under strict pandemic control and prevention rules.
The Beijing government has introduced stringent measures to prevent the risk of infection during the Games, with the aim of holding a safe Olympics for everyone.
Shen Xue, a former Olympic champion figure skater, said during the 40-day countdown event that since China won the bid to host the Winter Olympics in Beijing and Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, ice and snow sports have developed rapidly in the nation.
“All the ice venues will become precious Olympic legacies for Beijing and China, helping the country become a strong force in winter sports,” she said.
Zhang Weili, an enthusiastic skier from Fengtai district in Beijing, said he has witnessed the fast development of the ice sports industry in recent years.
“More people have started to take up ice events, as enthusiasm for winter sports grows in the city. I’m so happy to see increasing numbers having fun as they enjoy these seasonal activities,” he said.
The Beijing resident, who has been skiing for more than 10 years, said he often visits Big Air Shougang, where many ice-themed activities take place.
“I hope all the athletes will achieve their dreams at the upcoming Games,” he said.
In the past seven years, Beijing and Hebei have stepped up integrated development during their preparations for the Winter Olympics. Infrastructure in Zhangjiakou has been significantly upgraded, including transportation services, water, power and natural gas.
The two cities have also been successful in jointly tackling air pollution.
As Zhangjiakou now boasts three additional resorts, skiing enthusiasts routinely use high-speed rail services to reach these facilities.
Liu Shanshan, 36, who loves to ski, said the forthcoming Games have brought the two cities, people and winter sports closer.