State Sports General Administration: The “14th Winter” reflects successful ice and snow sports participation strategy
Xinhua News Agency, Hohhot, February 26 – The 14th National Winter Games has been hailed as a success in implementing the strategy of “driving 300 million people to participate in ice and snow sports“, according to Yu Haiyan, deputy director of the Winter Sports Management Center of the State Sports General Administration.
The event, which took place after the Beijing Winter Olympics, showcased a wide range of mass competition events for the first time. Reflecting the fruits of the participation strategy, the games included popular winter sports like cross-country skiing and skating, attracting people of all ages and backgrounds.
Yu Haiyan noted that the timing of the 14th Winter Games during the Spring Festival and winter vacation helped to increase awareness and interest in ice and snow sports. The event aimed to inspire more people, especially young people, to engage in these activities.
The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region has been at the forefront of the participation strategy, leveraging the momentum from the Beijing Winter Olympics to accelerate the development of ice and snow sports. Other key regions like Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang have also launched initiatives to promote mass ice and snow sports and winter tourism.
There is a noticeable difference in the development models between the northern and southern regions of China. While the north focuses on the enthusiast market and professional venue design, the south prioritizes family-friendly experiences while still ensuring professionalism.
Yu Haiyan highlighted the trend of enthusiasts from the southern regions traveling north during the snow season, indicating the increasing popularity and participation in ice and snow sports in the south.
As China’s economy, society, and technological capabilities continue to advance, the accessibility and popularity of ice and snow sports are expected to further increase across the country. The impact of the participation strategy is evident in the growing interest and engagement in these activities, promising a bright future for ice and snow sports in China.