Page 12

On 31 July, the IOC named Beijing (People’s Republic of China) as the host city of the Olympic Winter Games 2022. The Chinese capital was chosen over Almaty (Kazakhstan) in a vote at the 128th IOC Session in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). Beijing received 44 votes to Almaty’s 40. As a result, Beijing will become the first city to host both a Summer and Winter edition of the Olympic Games, following the city’s successful staging of the Summer Games in 2008.After the election, representatives of Beijing, together with IOC President Thomas Bach, signed the Host City Contract (HCC), which has now been made public for the first time in keeping with the recommendations of Olympic Agenda 2020 – a reform package that has significantly changed the host city selection process. Beijing aims to use the Games to accelerate the development of a new sport, culture and tourism area, and to encourage interest in winter sports in a region that is home to more than 300 million people in northern China.Although the bid process for 2022 began before the approval of Olympic Agenda 2020, the reforms have already had a significant impact on Beijing’s Olympic plans. Olympic Agenda 2020 calls for a stronger focus on sustainability, legacy, and transparency, while making it easier for host cities to design Games that meet their needs rather than trying to fit a template. Beijing took advantage of the flexibility provided by Olympic Agenda 2020 to improve its plans for the Games and reduce costs. The city will rely heavily on existing venues, including those built for the Games in 2008, such as the iconic Bird’s Nest stadium.Beijing’s proposed budget for investment in Olympic Villages, sports venues and other infrastructure totals USD 1.5 billion – significantly less than for Olympic Winter Games in the past. The proposed operational budget should be fully offset by revenue from ticket sales, marketing, sponsorship and other income. Thanks to a contribution from the IOC of approximately USD 880 million to support the staging of the Olympic Winter Games in 2022, Beijing is confident that it will break even or make a profit. Above IOC President Thomas Bach announces Beijing as host city for 2022 Below The Beijing bid team celebrate in Kuala Lumpur12 OLYMPIC REVIEW